Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,400, which is below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand for specific skill sets, and the overall cost of doing business within the area. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for setting realistic salary expectations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,420.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, comprises approximately 620 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.56, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less specialized but stable presence within the workforce. The rate of 2.435 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a moderate level of employment in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-12.0%below the national average.
$13.2
$527
$2,283
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental salary increases for fast food cooks.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or shift leaders with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,080 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,550 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,360 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,250 | $16.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,420 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,400 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the effective income relatively stable.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
2.435
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.56x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates that the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, metropolitan area has a lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the role is present, it is not a dominant industry sector, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for employers seeking staff, but also fewer opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,060↑ 21% | 50 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,850↑ 27% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,340↑ 29% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,070↑ 24% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $27,400. This typically ranges from $22,080 for entry-level positions to $38,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 12.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,400 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective income comparable.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($33,060) and Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities for fast food cooks in Scranton?
A local workforce of 620 suggests a moderate pool of existing fast food cooks. While not a massive market, it indicates a consistent demand for these roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.56 mean for fast food cooks in Scranton?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.56, signifies that fast food cooks are less concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average. This could mean fewer specialized roles but potentially less competition for general positions.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers relate to the fast food cook market in Scranton?
With 2.435 jobs per 1,000 workers, the fast food cook sector represents a small but present segment of the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre employment landscape, indicating steady, albeit not overwhelming, job availability.
Does the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre impact the salary for fast food cooks?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $27,400 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national average cost of living area, effectively balancing the lower nominal wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 2.435 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA