Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Valdosta, GA
The average salary for Cooks, Fast Foods in Valdosta, GA is $24,280. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Valdosta, GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,880.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Fast Foods is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Valdosta, GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Valdosta, GA earns-22.0%below the national average.
$11.7
$467
$2,023
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Fast Food salaries in Valdosta, GA have shown healthy growth of 19.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Valdosta, GA
The earning potential for Cooks, Fast Foods in Valdosta, GA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $19,740, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $28,880.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,740 | $9.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,210 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,080 | $11.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,350 | $14.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,880 | $13.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Valdosta, GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $24,280 to $24,280.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
1.817
Per 1K Jobs
0.42
Location Quotient
At 0.42x, Valdosta, GA has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
100 people work as Cooks, Fast Food in Valdosta, GA.
1.817 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cooks, Fast Food positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,430↓ 4% | 73 mi |
| Gainesville, FL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,340↑ 25% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Valdosta, GA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Valdosta, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Valdosta, GA is $24,280. This typically ranges from $19,740 for entry-level positions to $28,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Valdosta, GA is 22.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Valdosta, GA a good place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Fast Food salary in Valdosta, GA is $24,280 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Valdosta, GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Valdosta, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Valdosta, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Valdosta, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, GA ($23,430) and Gainesville, FL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Valdosta, GA area with a job density of 1.817 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 Valdosta, GA