Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,380. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,130 for the same role. The localized economic conditions and demand within this specific region significantly influence this compensation disparity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,300.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 810 individuals in this sector, the presence of Cooks, Fast Food is substantial. The Location Quotient of 2.9 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Southwest Alabama compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for fast food culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-21.7%below the national average.
$11.7
$469
$2,032
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 Southwest Alabama have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. However, the rate of increase may differ from national averages due to regional economic factors.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama 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 senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,760 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,285 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,970 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,475 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,300 | $14.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,380 in Southwest Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
810
Total Jobs
12.562
Per 1K Jobs
2.9
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 2.9x 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 2.9 for Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area signifies a strong regional specialization. This high concentration indicates that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals compared to other occupations, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,720↑ 5% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,360↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,590↑ 9% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,770↑ 6% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↑ 2% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $24,380. This typically ranges from $18,760 for entry-level positions to $29,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 21.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $24,380 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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 for Cooks, Fast Food?
A local workforce of 810 suggests a considerable presence of this role, indicating a stable demand for fast food cooks within the region's economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.9 mean for fast food jobs?
A Location Quotient of 2.9 indicates that fast food cooks are about 2.9 times more concentrated in Southwest Alabama than in the nation as a whole, pointing to higher relative demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $24,380 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making the lower nominal wage more understandable in context.
Are there opportunities for career growth as a Cook, Fast Food in this area?
Yes, like most roles, experience typically leads to higher pay, and the presence of a significant workforce suggests various levels of positions are available, allowing for career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.562 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area