Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the nonmetropolitan areas of Southwestern Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $24,390. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized compensation trend. Such disparities are often influenced by regional economic factors, cost of doing business, and the specific demand dynamics within these nonmetropolitan settings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,790.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas, with a total local workforce of 370, presents a moderate employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.6 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The presence of 2.602 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this picture of a steady, established employment base.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-21.7%below the national average.
$11.7
$469
$2,033
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in nonmetropolitan areas have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual upward movement is typical as employers strive to retain staff and adapt to evolving labor market conditions, even in regions with a lower concentration of these roles.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience, supervisory skills, or specialized knowledge can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,830 | $9.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,293 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,420 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,488 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,790 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,390 in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas 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 for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower wages are balanced by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
2.602
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 0.60x 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 0.6, the market for Fast Food Cooks in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the field is not as saturated, potentially offering a slightly less competitive environment for job seekers compared to more densely populated or high-demand regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| State College, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,650↑ 13% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,110↑ 36% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,850↑ 18% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $24,390. This typically ranges from $19,830 for entry-level positions to $37,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 21.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area for Fast Food Cooks.The average annual salary of $24,390 is significantly lower than the national average, even though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($27,650) and Elmira, NY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas is $24,390, which is considerably lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in this region?
The Location Quotient is 0.6, indicating that this occupation is less concentrated in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower salary of $24,390 has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in this region?
There are approximately 370 Fast Food Cooks employed in the nonmetropolitan areas of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.602 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area