Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,260, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand for fast food services, and the overall cost structure within the nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,370.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 1,250 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.49 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to strong local demand and a specialized labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-18.9%below the national average.
$12.1
$486
$2,105
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in nonmetropolitan areas like Southeast Alabama have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southeast Alabama 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 senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,430 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,945 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,240 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,575 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,370 | $14.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,260 in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is relatively stable within the local context.
Job Market Context
1,250
Total Jobs
15.13
Per 1K Jobs
3.49
Location Quotient
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 3.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.49, the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,720↑ 2% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,360↑ 8% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,590↑ 5% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,770↑ 2% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↓ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $25,260. This typically ranges from $21,430 for entry-level positions to $30,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 18.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average salary of $25,260 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,720) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 1,250 indicates a significant pool of available talent, which can influence both hiring competition and the availability of roles for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.49 mean for Fast Food Cooks?
A Location Quotient of 3.49 signifies that Fast Food Cooks are 3.49 times more concentrated in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area than in the U.S. overall, highlighting strong regional demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the general expenses for goods and services in Southeast Alabama are the same as the national average, making the lower salary less advantageous in terms of purchasing power.
Are there many job openings for Fast Food Cooks in this region?
The high concentration (LQ of 3.49) and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (15.13) suggest a healthy number of job openings relative to the population.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,250 employees in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 15.13 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 Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area