Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Dakota
Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $31,520, slightly surpassing the national average of $31,130. This marginal difference in pay is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and demand within the state, reflecting local market dynamics rather than a broad national trend for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,530.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,210 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.62, the market for Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential food service professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Dakota earns+1.3%above the national average.
$15.2
$606
$2,627
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Dakota's Fast Food Cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors and inflation typically drive modest annual increases in wages for service industry roles, suggesting that the average salary has likely seen incremental improvements.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Dakota
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Fast Food Cooks. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with supervisory experience or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay within South Dakota reflect this career progression, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,660 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,640 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,640 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,400 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,530 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,336
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,520 in South Dakota presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in South Dakota is likely stronger than in many other parts of the country, making the earnings more substantial in real terms.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
2.673
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
South Dakota has 0.62x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these workers, the market is not exceptionally competitive, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for individuals entering or already established in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Dakota is $31,520. This typically ranges from $28,660 for entry-level positions to $36,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 1.3% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly above the national average, the real benefit comes from South Dakota's lower cost of living, which increases the purchasing power of these earnings.
Is South Dakota a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the number of Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota compare nationally?
South Dakota employs approximately 1,210 Fast Food Cooks, with 2.673 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is below the national concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.62.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota?
A Location Quotient of 0.62 means that the proportion of Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota's workforce is 38% lower than the national average, suggesting a less dense but stable presence of this occupation.
How does the cost of living in South Dakota affect Fast Food Cook salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average. This means the $31,520 average salary for Fast Food Cooks likely offers better purchasing power locally.
Are there many job openings for Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota?
The market for Fast Food Cooks in South Dakota is stable, with a workforce of 1,210. The Location Quotient suggests demand exists but is not exceptionally high compared to national averages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 2.673 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 Dakota