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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Tucson, AZ

In Tucson, AZ, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $31,020. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating a near-parity in compensation for this role across the country. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Tucson's food service sector contribute to this pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,730.
  • Outlook: Tucson's market for Cooks, Fast Food features a local workforce of 980 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests that this profession is less concentrated in Tucson compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable or slightly lower demand relative to other occupations in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,020

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Tucson, AZ earns-0.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.9

Weekly

$597

Monthly

$2,585

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ

For Cooks, Fast Food in Tucson, AZ, experience plays a significant role in salary progression. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,850$14.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,265$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,850$14.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,775$18.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,730$16.2

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $31,020 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for a Cook, Fast Food in Tucson aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of this salary in Tucson is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

980

Total Jobs

2.537

Per 1K Jobs

0.59

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tucson, AZ has 0.59x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.59 for Cooks, Fast Food in Tucson indicates that this profession is less prevalent in the local job market compared to the national landscape. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Tucson, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Tucson, AZ is $31,020. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $33,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 0.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $31,020 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Tucson salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Tucson, AZ is $31,020, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Tucson compared to the rest of the US?

Tucson has a lower concentration of Fast Food Cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.59, meaning the profession is less common there than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Tucson affect the Fast Food Cook salary?

Tucson's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $31,020 salary has the same purchasing power in Tucson as the national average salary does nationally.

What does the job market size suggest for Fast Food Cooks in Tucson?

With 980 local workers and 2.537 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market size is moderate, and the lower Location Quotient suggests it's not a primary hub for this occupation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 2.537 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.