Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to this area. The lower average wage is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall economic structure of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,160.
- Outlook: The South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 880 individuals in fast-food cook positions. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles. The presence of 4.2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for fast-food cooks within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns-10.1%below the national average.
$13.5
$538
$2,332
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for fast-food cooks in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increases in the minimum wage, and evolving labor market demands that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for fast-food cooks is typically tied to experience and demonstrated skill. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and proficiency within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,800 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,985 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,750 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,975 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,160 | $15.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,980 in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to that of a fast-food cook earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
4.2
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x 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 0.97 indicates that the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has a job market for fast-food cooks that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field, implying moderate competition and a steady, predictable demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,030↑ 0% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,540↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,000↑ 0% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,580↓ 1% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $27,980. This typically ranges from $21,800 for entry-level positions to $33,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 10.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $27,980 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This indicates that while expenses are manageable, earning potential is somewhat limited in this region for fast-food cooks.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($28,030) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for fast-food cooks?
The local job market for fast-food cooks in South Central Wisconsin is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating a comparable concentration of these jobs.
What is the average number of fast-food cooks per 1,000 workers in this area?
There are approximately 4.2 fast-food cook jobs per 1,000 workers in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area, reflecting a steady local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a fast-food cook's salary in South Central Wisconsin?
No, the cost of living in South Central Wisconsin is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $27,980 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The total local workforce for fast-food cooks in this region comprises approximately 880 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.2 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 Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area