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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Carolina

Cooks in fast-food establishments across South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $25,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the South Carolina job market. The state's unique economic landscape and cost of living contribute to this disparity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,390.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 10,120 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.03, the demand for fast-food cooks in South Carolina is slightly above the national average concentration. This suggests a stable and consistent need for these roles within the state's economy, reflecting a healthy job market for this profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,910

The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Carolina earns-16.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.5

Weekly

$498

Monthly

$2,159

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Carolina

Salary progression for fast-food cooks in South Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry, rewarding dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,560$9.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,433$9.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$23,930$11.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,388$15.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,390$16.1

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,018

Adjusted for COL (95.9)

The nominal average annual salary of $25,910 in South Carolina presents a moderate earning potential. When contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (slightly below the national average of 100), the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable. While the salary is lower than the national average, the lower cost of living helps to mitigate some of the impact on disposable income.

Job Market Context

10,120

Total Jobs

4.455

Per 1K Jobs

1.03

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.03, South Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

South Carolina's Location Quotient of 1.03 for fast-food cooks indicates a job market that is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, the market is not oversaturated, implying a steady demand that aligns closely with national employment patterns for this role.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Columbia, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,480↓ 6%13 mi
Sumter, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,970↓ 4%32 mi
Florence, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$23,970↓ 7%70 mi
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,120↑ 1%73 mi
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,510↑ 2%91 mi

Comparing salaries near South Carolina

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Carolina is $25,910. This typically ranges from $20,560 for entry-level positions to $33,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 16.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,910 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also slightly below the national average, which offers some compensation.

Is South Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($24,480) and Sumter, SC.

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in South Carolina?

The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in South Carolina is $25,910.

How does South Carolina's salary for Fast Food Cooks compare to the national average?

The average salary in South Carolina ($25,910) is lower than the national average ($31,130).

What is the Cost of Living Index in South Carolina?

South Carolina has a Cost of Living Index of 95.9, which is slightly below the national average of 100.

How concentrated is the job market for Fast Food Cooks in South Carolina?

The job market for Fast Food Cooks in South Carolina is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.03.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,120 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 4.455 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Carolina