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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Tennessee

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $29,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower operating costs influence compensation in the state. Understanding these regional pay scales is crucial for both employees and employers in the fast-food sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,580.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 16,690 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.18, the demand for fast-food cooks in Tennessee appears robust and slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable job market for these professionals, with a healthy number of opportunities available relative to the general workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,120

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Tennessee earns-6.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14

Weekly

$560

Monthly

$2,427

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Career progression for fast-food cooks 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 would show a noticeable increase from starting wages to those earned by senior cooks or shift leaders, signifying valuable experience and expanded responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,900$10
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,840$10.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,010$13.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,400$17.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,580$18.1

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,212

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average annual salary of $29,120 in Tennessee is complemented by a cost of living index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by fast-food cooks in Tennessee likely offers a higher effective purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living, making the compensation more favorable locally.

Job Market Context

16,690

Total Jobs

5.096

Per 1K Jobs

1.18

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.18, Tennessee has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.18 for fast-food cooks in Tennessee signifies that the employment of these workers is 18% more concentrated in the state than the national average. This indicates a relatively strong presence and demand for fast-food cooks within Tennessee's labor market, suggesting a competitive but accessible environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary$32,030↑ 10%29 mi
Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,560↓ 9%67 mi
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,160↓ 3%73 mi
Decatur, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,020↓ 7%83 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,310↓ 13%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Tennessee is $29,120. This typically ranges from $20,900 for entry-level positions to $37,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 6.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $29,120 is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living means your earnings can go further locally.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,030) and Clarksville, TN-KY.

How does Tennessee's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Tennessee is $29,120, which is approximately $2,010 less than the national average of $31,130.

What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in Tennessee?

There are approximately 16,690 individuals employed as fast-food cooks in Tennessee.

How does the concentration of fast-food cooks in Tennessee compare to the rest of the US?

Tennessee has a higher concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 1.18, meaning the profession is 18% more prevalent than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Tennessee affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary?

Yes, Tennessee's cost of living index is 90.4, which is below the national average. This suggests that the $29,120 salary provides relatively good purchasing power within the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,690 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 5.096 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee