Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Waco, TX
In Waco, TX, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $28,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Waco influence compensation for this role. Factors such as the regional demand for fast food services and the overall economic landscape of Central Texas play a significant role in determining this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,150.
- Outlook: Waco, TX supports a local workforce of 510 Cooks, Fast Food, with a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average. While not a major hub for this specific occupation, the presence of nearly 4 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the local fast-food industry. This stable employment base offers consistent opportunities for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Waco, TX earns-9.4%below the national average.
$13.6
$543
$2,351
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waco's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and adjustments to minimum wage laws typically contribute to incremental salary increases for roles across various sectors, including fast food. Therefore, it's probable that cooks in Waco have seen modest salary growth over the last four years.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Waco, TX, like elsewhere, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and dedication within the fast-food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,030 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,158 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,620 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,263 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,150 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,210 in Waco, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Waco is comparable to the national average. While the nominal wage is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of essential goods and services in Waco does not present a significant disadvantage, offering a balanced financial standing relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
3.917
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.90x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.9, Waco, TX, exhibits a job market for Cooks, Fast Food that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the city. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,280↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,640↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,380↓ 6% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Waco, TX is $28,210. This typically ranges from $21,030 for entry-level positions to $38,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 9.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,210 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($26,280) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waco fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Waco, TX is $28,210, which is approximately $2,920 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the cost of living in Waco, TX for fast-food cooks?
Waco, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of living is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national average.
How many fast-food cooks are there in Waco, TX?
There are approximately 510 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Waco, TX, representing about 3.917 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for fast-food cooks competitive in Waco, TX?
The job market is moderately competitive, with a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 3.917 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 Waco, TX