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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Fast Food Cooks in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,030. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to this area. The localized pay structure is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the prevailing wage expectations within nonmetropolitan settings.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,580.
  • Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 340, indicates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.51 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a moderate demand that aligns with the workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,030

The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-10.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.5

Weekly

$539

Monthly

$2,336

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often fall within the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,960$12
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,023$10.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,880$13.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,038$16.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,580$16.1

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $28,030 in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

2.209

Per 1K Jobs

0.51

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area has 0.51x 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 0.51, the market for Fast Food Cooks in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession exists, it is not a dominant employment sector in this region, suggesting a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers compared to more densely populated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Lincoln, NE Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,430 5%86 mi

Comparing salaries near South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $28,030. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $33,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 10.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area for Fast Food Cooks.The average salary of $28,030 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.

Is South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lincoln, NE ($29,430) and others.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 340 suggests a moderate pool of available workers, which can influence hiring competition and wage levels for Fast Food Cooks.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.51 mean for Fast Food Cooks?

A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.51, signifies that Fast Food Cooks are less prevalent in this nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, indicating a smaller, more specialized job market.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?

An index of 100 means the cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the $28,030 salary has average purchasing power, despite being below the national average wage.

Are there many Fast Food Cook jobs per 1,000 workers in this area?

With 2.209 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of Fast Food Cook positions is relatively modest, aligning with the overall concentration of the profession in this region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.209 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.