Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Springfield, MO
In Springfield, MO, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food stands at $28,760, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Springfield metropolitan area for this role. Understanding these localized dynamics is crucial for anyone considering a career in fast food services in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,820.
- Outlook: Springfield, MO boasts a substantial workforce of 4,810 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence of this occupation. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.99 suggests a concentration of these jobs far exceeding the national average, pointing towards robust local demand and a potentially stable job market for fast food cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Springfield, MO earns-7.6%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,397
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Springfield, MO is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for service industry positions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Springfield, MO
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Springfield, MO, like elsewhere, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways and the financial rewards associated with skill development and tenure in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,800 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,570 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,400 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,950 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,820 | $14.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $28,760 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Springfield, MO, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that while the salary is below the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
4,810
Total Jobs
21.643
Per 1K Jobs
4.99
Location Quotient
Springfield, MO has 5.0x 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.
Springfield, MO exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 4.99. This signifies that the proportion of fast food cooks in the local workforce is nearly five times greater than the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a strong demand for these services and a potentially competitive environment for both employers seeking staff and individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MO-KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,230↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↓ 7% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Springfield, MO
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Springfield, MO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Springfield, MO is $28,760. This typically ranges from $26,800 for entry-level positions to $29,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, MO is 7.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Springfield, MO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, but the cost of living is balanced.The average salary of $28,760 is below the national average for this role. However, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent nationally.
Is Springfield, MO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($28,230) and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR.
How does the Springfield, MO fast food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Springfield, MO is $28,760, which is less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job concentration for Fast Food Cooks in Springfield, MO?
Springfield, MO has a very high job concentration for Cooks, Fast Food, with a Location Quotient of 4.99, indicating nearly five times the national average presence of this occupation.
How does the cost of living in Springfield, MO affect the salary for Fast Food Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MO is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,760 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary would have nationwide.
What does the high Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in Springfield, MO imply?
A Location Quotient of 4.99 suggests a significantly higher demand and prevalence of fast food cook positions in Springfield, MO compared to the rest of the country, potentially leading to more job opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,810 employees in the Springfield, MO area with a job density of 21.643 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 Springfield, MO