Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating a modest regional difference in compensation for this role. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan region likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,730.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 540 individuals in this role, the fast-food cook sector in West Central Illinois represents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, segment of the labor market. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that this occupation is slightly less prevalent here compared to the national average, implying a steady but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-1.2%below the national average.
$14.8
$591
$2,563
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food, across the nation and in regions like West Central Illinois have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and general economic conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in West Central Illinois typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks or those in supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior cooks signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,063 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,438 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,730 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,750 in West Central Illinois 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 this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
3.171
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.73x 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 0.73 for Cooks, Fast Food in West Central Illinois indicates that this occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, there may be fewer opportunities relative to the overall workforce compared to national trends, potentially making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,800↑ 0% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,310↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $31,310↑ 2% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $30,750. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $35,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 1.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $30,750 is slightly below the national average, and the occupation is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting moderate demand and compensation.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($30,800) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in West Central Illinois is $30,750, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.73, meaning this job is less common in West Central Illinois compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $30,750 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced cost of living.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in West Central Illinois?
There are approximately 540 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.171 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area