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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area

In the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for this specific role contribute to the prevailing wage. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for anyone considering a career in this sector within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,360.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 370, indicates a stable but not rapidly expanding sector. The Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a moderate level of demand that aligns with the workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,630

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area earns-11.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.3

Weekly

$531

Monthly

$2,303

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,180$10.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,723$10
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,920$13.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,538$16.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,360$16.5

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $27,630 in the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national 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 locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

2.775

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area has 0.64x 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 0.64, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present, it is not a dominant industry sector, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for employers seeking staff but also fewer opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

Comparing salaries near Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area is $27,630. This typically ranges from $22,180 for entry-level positions to $34,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area is 11.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food.The average salary of $27,630 is significantly below the national average, and the lower concentration (LQ of 0.64) indicates less demand relative to other regions.

Is Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lansing-East Lansing, MI ($28,920) and Flint, MI.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area is $27,630, which is $3,500 less than the national average of $31,130.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.64 mean for this job market?

An LQ of 0.64 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in this region is 36% lower than the national average, suggesting a less prominent role for this occupation locally.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $27,630 salary in Southern Michigan has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in this region?

There are approximately 370 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.775 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.