Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $23,200. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business. The specific pay scale in this area is influenced by local demand, the availability of a skilled workforce, and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Kentucky.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,450.
- Outlook: The South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 2,020 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence of this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 2.72, this role is more than twice as concentrated compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and perhaps specialized demand for fast-food cooking services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-25.5%below the national average.
$11.2
$446
$1,933
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role and region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Kentucky have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in minimum wage and a persistent demand for quick-service food options likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, albeit potentially at a slower pace than in more metropolitan areas.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically correlates with experience and added responsibilities. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory duties can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, where dedicated individuals can increase their earning potential through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,730 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,400 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,230 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,000 | $13.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,450 | $13.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,200 in South Central Kentucky 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 average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the region is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,020
Total Jobs
11.782
Per 1K Jobs
2.72
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.72 for Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Kentucky signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the occupation is significantly more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand and potentially fewer opportunities for workers migrating from areas with lower concentration, as the market is already well-supplied.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,750↑ 11% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,250↑ 9% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 16% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,360↑ 27% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $23,200. This typically ranges from $18,730 for entry-level positions to $28,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 25.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average salary of $23,200 is substantially lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not offer significant financial advantage.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($25,750) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact salary for Fast Food Cooks?
The local workforce of 2,020 suggests a stable and established presence of fast-food operations, which can influence salary negotiations based on labor supply and demand dynamics within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.72 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.72 indicates that fast-food cook jobs are more than 2.5 times as common in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a high demand and potentially more job openings relative to the workforce size.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the real value of a Fast Food Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $23,200 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning that while the take-home pay is lower, the expenses for housing, food, and transportation are also in line with national averages.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
While specific advancement data isn't provided, the significant concentration of jobs suggests ongoing operational needs, which can translate into opportunities for experienced cooks to move into supervisory or management roles within local establishments.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,020 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 11.782 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area