Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
In the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $32,130. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,130, suggesting a modest premium for this role within the local market. Factors such as local demand, cost of doing business, and the overall economic landscape of the region contribute to this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,650.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area supports a substantial workforce of 2,650 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.42, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating that while the absolute number of positions is significant, the industry is less concentrated here compared to national trends. This suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for fast-food cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+3.2%above the national average.
$15.5
$618
$2,678
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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and potential adjustments in minimum wage laws likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these essential roles.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, with experienced professionals occupying the higher earning brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,940 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,098 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,760 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,163 | $19.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,650 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,130 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by a fast-food cook in this region has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the salary is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,650
Total Jobs
1.837
Per 1K Jobs
0.42
Location Quotient
At 0.42x, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.42 indicates that the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are a notable number of jobs available (2,650), the industry is not a dominant employer relative to other sectors when compared nationally. This could imply a moderately competitive market where job seekers have opportunities but may not be in an oversaturated environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,140↓ 3% | 32 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $32,130. This typically ranges from $25,940 for entry-level positions to $39,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 3.2% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average.While the average salary of $32,130 is a bit higher than the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings will have typical purchasing power. The market is stable but not exceptionally concentrated.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($31,140) and others.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Fast Food?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $32,130, which is $1,000 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.42 indicates that the concentration of fast-food cooks in this area is less than half of the national average, suggesting it's not a primary hub for this specific occupation.
Does the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning the local cost of living is average. Therefore, the $32,130 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the national average.
How many fast-food cooks are employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area?
There are approximately 2,650 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 1.837 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL