Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Cooks in the fast-food sector in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $31,810. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for this role. Factors such as the regional demand and the cost of doing business likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,540.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL area boasts a substantial workforce of 18,130 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 3.12, this role is significantly more concentrated in St. Louis than the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+2.2%above the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,651
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 St. Louis, like in many other regions, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the typical salary range can expand significantly with experience, with senior cooks or shift leaders earning considerably more than those just starting out, reflecting increased responsibility and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,510 | $14.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,858 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,380 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,763 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,540 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $31,810 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income in St. Louis, MO-IL for Fast Food Cooks aligns directly with the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to what one would expect in an average U.S. city.
Job Market Context
18,130
Total Jobs
13.529
Per 1K Jobs
3.12
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 3.1x 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 3.12 for Cooks, Fast Food in St. Louis, MO-IL signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these workers is more than three times the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,740↓ 10% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in St. Louis, MO-IL is $31,810. This typically ranges from $29,510 for entry-level positions to $36,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 2.2% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Fast Food Cooks in St. Louis earn slightly more than the national average, and the role is significantly more concentrated, indicating strong local demand.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($28,740) and others.
How does the St. Louis fast food job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?
The job market for Fast Food Cooks in St. Louis is significantly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 3.12, meaning the profession is over three times more prevalent locally.
What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in St. Louis, MO-IL is $31,810.
How does the cost of living in St. Louis affect the salary of a Fast Food Cook?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $31,810 for a Fast Food Cook holds purchasing power consistent with the national average.
Are there many Fast Food Cook jobs in St. Louis?
Yes, with 18,130 individuals employed in this role and a high Location Quotient, St. Louis has a substantial and concentrated job market for Fast Food Cooks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,130 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 13.529 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 St. Louis, MO-IL