Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower operational costs. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by local demand, the cost of labor, and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,430.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 2,050 individuals. The high jobs per 1,000 workers metric further indicates a strong presence and demand for these roles within the region, suggesting a stable employment environment for those in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-9.7%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,343
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This incremental increase would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitiveness in the local labor market.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will generally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| 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) | $21,083 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,790 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,138 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,430 | $14.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,110 in Southwest Missouri 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 that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,050
Total Jobs
25.756
Per 1K Jobs
5.94
Location Quotient
Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 5.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 5.94, the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a specialized market for these roles, suggesting that the profession is a vital component of the regional economy and employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,200↑ 0% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,300↑ 4% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $28,110. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $29,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 9.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwest 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 $28,110 is below the national average of $31,130, though the cost of living is on par nationally. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($28,200) and Columbia, MO.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks, Fast Food?
A local workforce of 2,050 indicates a substantial pool of potential employees, suggesting a competitive job market. However, the high jobs per 1,000 workers metric implies that demand is also strong, potentially balancing out the competition.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.94 mean for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 5.94 signifies that this region has nearly six times the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This points to a specialized and in-demand role within the local economy.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact the $28,110 salary?
An index of 100 means the cost of living is exactly average nationally. Therefore, the $28,110 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there opportunities for career growth for Fast Food Cooks in Southwest Missouri?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher pay. As cooks gain more experience and potentially move into supervisory roles, their salaries increase, reflecting a clear career progression path within the fast-food industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,050 employees in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 25.756 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 Missouri nonmetropolitan area