Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas can expect an average annual salary of $25,410. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this sector. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,780.
- Outlook: The job market for fast food cooks in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas appears stable, with a total local workforce of approximately 400 individuals in this role. The location quotient of 0.47 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here than the national average, implying a moderate but not saturated demand. With 2.043 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this role is consistent within the local employment structure.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-18.4%below the national average.
$12.2
$489
$2,118
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role and region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages for fast food cooks over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments. Such growth, even if modest, would likely see the average annual salary inching closer to current national benchmarks, reflecting evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for fast food cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often with supervisory responsibilities. While specific salary data for different experience levels isn't detailed here, it's expected that the $25,410 average represents a blend of all experience levels. Higher percentiles would signify experienced cooks earning more, demonstrating a clear career path and salary growth potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,420 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,058 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,090 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,763 | $15.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,780 | $15.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,410 in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to what a fast food cook might experience in a national average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the salary, though lower, is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
2.043
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a location quotient of 0.47, the market for fast food cooks in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present, it is not a dominant industry sector in this specific region compared to national trends. The job market is therefore not overly saturated, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,260↑ 23% | 8 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,030↑ 14% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,200↑ 7% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $25,410. This typically ranges from $21,420 for entry-level positions to $32,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 18.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks.The average annual salary of $25,410 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact of the lower wage.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($31,260) and Bloomington, IN.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 400 for fast food cooks indicates a moderate-sized segment of the employment landscape. While not a massive number, it suggests a consistent demand for these roles within the nonmetropolitan areas of Southern Indiana.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.47 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient below 1.0, such as 0.47, signifies that fast food cooks are less concentrated in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average. This could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for available positions.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.043 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of fast food cook positions in this region is relatively low compared to the national average. This metric helps contextualize the overall presence of the occupation within the local labor market.
Does the Cost of Living Index of 100 imply good value for the salary?
Yes, a Cost of Living Index of 100 means that Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas have a cost of living that is exactly average compared to the rest of the nation. This suggests that the $25,410 salary, while lower than the national average wage, may offer comparable purchasing power locally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.043 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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area