Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Wausau, WI
In Wausau, WI, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,030, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the cost of labor and the specific demand within the Wausau market for these roles. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower salary suggests a less competitive market for fast food positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,760.
- Outlook: The Wausau, WI market for Cooks, Fast Food shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.72, indicating slightly less prevalence compared to the national average. The total local workforce of 220 suggests a stable, albeit not expansive, job pool. With 3.126 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present but not exceptionally high, pointing to a steady but not rapidly growing employment landscape for this occupation in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Wausau, WI earns-10.0%below the national average.
$13.5
$539
$2,336
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wausau's fast food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in this sector, like many others, have experienced incremental growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands. Therefore, it's reasonable to infer that the average salary has likely seen a modest upward trend, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
For Cooks, Fast Food in Wausau, WI, salary progression is tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks occupying the higher earning brackets as they gain expertise and take on more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,140 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,023 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,290 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,038 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,760 | $15.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,030 for Cooks, Fast Food in Wausau, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary in Wausau is comparable to the national average. While the salary is below the national average for the role, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may still allow for a comparable standard of living to other areas, though opportunities for significant savings might be limited.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
3.126
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Wausau, WI has 0.72x 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 0.72, the Wausau, WI market for Cooks, Fast Food is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the field is not as saturated as in many other regions. A lower LQ can imply either less demand or a more diverse job market overall. For job seekers, this might mean fewer openings but potentially less competition for available positions compared to highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,980↓ 0% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,420↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,440↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,220↓ 3% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,000↓ 0% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Wausau, WI is $28,030. This typically ranges from $23,140 for entry-level positions to $32,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 10.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Wausau, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food based on average earnings.The average salary of $28,030 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is neutral, the lower pay indicates less competitive compensation in this specific role within Wausau.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($27,980) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's cost of living compare to the national average?
Wausau, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the U.S. average.
Are there many fast food cook jobs in Wausau?
There are 3.126 jobs per 1,000 workers in Wausau for Cooks, Fast Food, which is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a moderate presence of these jobs.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in Wausau?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Fast Food in Wausau, WI is approximately 220 individuals.
How does Wausau's fast food cook job market compare to other areas?
Wausau's Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that the concentration of fast food cooks is lower than the national average, implying a less saturated market relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 3.126 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 Wausau, WI