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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles outside major urban centers. The specific economic landscape of this area influences compensation levels for fast food positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,700.
  • Outlook: The Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,060 individuals in fast food cook roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.32, this indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 32% higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively robust local demand for fast food services compared to other industries within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,370

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earns-18.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.2

Weekly

$488

Monthly

$2,114

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for fast food cooks typically correlates with experience and demonstrated skill. 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, rewarding dedication and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,120$9.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,028$9.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$25,820$12.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$31,713$15.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$28,700$13.8

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,370

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $25,370 in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that expenses for housing, utilities, and everyday goods are comparable.

Job Market Context

1,060

Total Jobs

5.712

Per 1K Jobs

1.32

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.32, Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies that fast food cook positions are more concentrated in the Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive job market for employers seeking staff, as the supply of these roles is relatively higher compared to the overall job landscape in the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is $25,370. This typically ranges from $20,120 for entry-level positions to $28,700 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 18.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $25,370 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($27,160) and Tulsa, OK.

How does the local job market compare to the national average for fast food cooks?

The local market has a higher concentration of fast food cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.32, suggesting more jobs per capita than the national average.

What is the total number of fast food cooks in this region?

There are approximately 1,060 individuals employed as fast food cooks in the Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average.

Are there opportunities for career growth as a fast food cook in this area?

While specific growth opportunities depend on individual employers, salary differences between experience levels indicate potential for advancement from entry-level to more senior roles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.712 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.