Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,280. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting. The local job market dynamics and cost of living play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,730.
- Outlook: The South Illinois nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 590 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent demand that aligns with broader industry trends. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (4.215) further reinforces the presence of this role within the local labor ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-2.7%below the national average.
$14.6
$582
$2,523
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in South Illinois is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Fast Food over the past four years, mirroring national wage growth patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wages, and evolving labor market conditions likely contribute to modest but consistent salary increases, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract qualified individuals.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the lowest paid to the highest earners, signify clear career advancement opportunities within the fast-food industry, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,710 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,850 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,730 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,280 in South Illinois aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the salary is slightly below the national average for the role, the cost of living being on par suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar standard of living as in many other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
4.215
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
South Illinois 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the overall employment landscape. It indicates a steady demand for these services without significant oversupply or undersupply of workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,800↑ 2% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,310↑ 3% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,310↑ 3% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $30,280. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $35,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 2.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $30,280 is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, it does not offer a significant financial advantage over other regions.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($30,800) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average salary in South Illinois ($30,280) is slightly lower than the national average ($31,130), and the job concentration (LQ 0.97) is very close to the national average.
What is the cost of living impact on a Fast Food Cook's salary in South Illinois?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means a salary of $30,280 in South Illinois has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 590 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area, representing 4.215 jobs per 1,000 workers.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.97 mean for Fast Food Cooks in South Illinois?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in South Illinois is very similar to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.215 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 Illinois nonmetropolitan area