Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Sumter, SC
In Sumter, SC, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $24,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating localized economic factors and potentially a different market dynamic at play. The specific pay rates in Sumter are shaped by regional demand, the cost of labor, and the overall economic landscape of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,350.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Sumter, SC, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a total local workforce of 220 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.47 suggests that this profession is more prevalent in Sumter than the national average, implying a consistent, albeit not explosive, demand for these services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Sumter, SC earns-19.8%below the national average.
$12
$480
$2,081
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation, and likely within Sumter, SC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining options.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Sumter, SC
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Cooks, Fast Food. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can expect higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within Sumter, SC, would signify clear opportunities for career progression and increased earnings with accumulated experience and demonstrated proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,260 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,728 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,360 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,213 | $15 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,350 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Sumter, SC, stands at $24,970. This nominal income aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index, which is precisely at the national average of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary within Sumter is comparable to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
6.37
Per 1K Jobs
1.47
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.47, Sumter, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.47, Sumter, SC, exhibits a higher concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that the demand for fast food services and, consequently, the employment opportunities for cooks, are relatively robust in this area. The market is likely competitive but offers more opportunities per capita than a national average location.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,480↓ 2% | 30 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,490↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,140↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,280↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,970↓ 4% | 38 mi |
Comparing salaries near Sumter, SC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Sumter, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Sumter, SC is $24,970. This typically ranges from $20,260 for entry-level positions to $28,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Sumter, SC is 19.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Sumter, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Sumter, SC ($24,970) is significantly lower than the national average ($31,130).
Is Sumter, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Sumter, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Sumter, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($24,480) and Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Sumter's job market compare nationally for fast food cooks?
Sumter, SC has a higher concentration of fast food cook jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.47, suggesting more job availability per capita.
What is the average salary for a fast food cook in Sumter, SC?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Sumter, SC is $24,970.
How does the cost of living in Sumter, SC affect a fast food cook's salary?
The cost of living in Sumter, SC is at the national average (100), meaning the $24,970 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national average pay for the role.
Are there many fast food cook jobs in Sumter, SC?
Yes, there are 6.37 fast food cook jobs per 1,000 workers in Sumter, SC, which is higher than the national average, indicating a relatively strong local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Sumter, SC area with a job density of 6.37 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 Sumter, SC