SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Tuscaloosa, AL, earn an average annual salary of $26,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. The localized pay rate reflects a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Tuscaloosa labor market for this particular role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,590 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,900.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,340 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 2.85, Tuscaloosa exhibits a significant concentration of fast-food cooks compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and established demand for these services within the city, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,590

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-14.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.8

Weekly

$511

Monthly

$2,216

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Tuscaloosa typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,160$10.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,943$9.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,560$12.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,238$16
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$32,900$15.8

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,590

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,590

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $26,590 in Tuscaloosa, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Tuscaloosa is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national average.

Job Market Context

1,340

Total Jobs

12.368

Per 1K Jobs

2.85

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Tuscaloosa, AL has 2.9x 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 2.85 for Cooks, Fast Food in Tuscaloosa indicates a substantial concentration of this profession, nearly three times the national average. This suggests a highly competitive market with a plentiful supply of workers relative to the national landscape, which can influence wage levels and hiring dynamics.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Birmingham, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary$27,360↑ 3%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,070↓ 2%52 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,260↓ 5%52 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,020↓ 6%52 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,380↓ 8%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Tuscaloosa, AL is $26,590. This typically ranges from $22,160 for entry-level positions to $32,900 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 14.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,590 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. The high concentration of workers suggests a competitive market.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($27,360) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

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

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Tuscaloosa, AL is $26,590, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa has a high concentration of fast-food cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.85, meaning the profession is nearly three times more common there than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Tuscaloosa affect the salary value?

The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $26,590 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.

How many fast-food cooks are employed in Tuscaloosa?

There are approximately 1,340 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 12.368 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 Tuscaloosa, AL