Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower operational costs characteristic of nonmetropolitan regions. Local market dynamics and the specific demand for fast-food services in this area contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,080.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 3,230 Cooks, Fast Food, and a high Location Quotient of 4.54, the job market in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan areas shows a significant concentration of these roles. This indicates a robust demand and a strong presence of fast-food establishments relative to the national average, suggesting a stable employment outlook for individuals in this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-10.2%below the national average.
$13.4
$538
$2,330
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 have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and labor market adjustments. This incremental rise would aim to keep pace with the cost of living and attract new talent to the sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southeast Missouri 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 supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,970 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,520 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,950 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,080 | $14.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,960 in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is balanced with the prevailing wages.
Job Market Context
3,230
Total Jobs
19.678
Per 1K Jobs
4.54
Location Quotient
Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 4.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 4.54 for Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan areas signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a strong demand and a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, as well as a specialized industry presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,200↑ 1% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,300↑ 5% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $27,960. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $30,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 10.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,960 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($28,200) and Columbia, MO.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan areas is $27,960, which is $3,170 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food jobs in this region?
The region has a high concentration of fast-food jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.54, meaning these jobs are over four times more common here than the national average.
How many fast-food jobs are there per 1,000 workers?
There are approximately 19.68 fast-food jobs per 1,000 workers in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The cost of living in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan areas is at the national average (100), meaning the $27,960 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,230 employees in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 19.678 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 Missouri nonmetropolitan area