Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
In the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Fast Food Cooks earn an average annual salary of $23,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for highly specialized culinary roles outside of major urban centers. The localized pay scale is intrinsically tied to the specific economic landscape and employment needs of this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,170.
- Outlook: The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 1,160 individuals employed as Fast Food Cooks. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of nearly 9, this indicates a consistent presence and demand for these roles within the local economy, suggesting a stable job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-23.1%below the national average.
$11.5
$460
$1,994
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in West Kentucky is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and inflation typically necessitate incremental wage adjustments, even in nonmetropolitan areas, to maintain workforce stability and attract new talent.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of earnings within this role signifies clear career progression pathways, with senior cooks earning considerably more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,860 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,948 | $8.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,740 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,913 | $14.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,170 | $13.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,930 in West Kentucky 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 that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
8.997
Per 1K Jobs
2.08
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.08, the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area exhibits a concentration of Fast Food Cooks that is more than double the national average. This indicates a significantly higher prevalence of this occupation relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a robust and potentially competitive job market for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,750↑ 8% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,250↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,840↑ 12% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,360↑ 23% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $23,930. This typically ranges from $18,860 for entry-level positions to $28,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 23.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks.The average salary of $23,930 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable but overall earnings are less.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($25,750) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of Fast Food Cooks in West Kentucky compare nationally?
The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.08, meaning the occupation is more than twice as prevalent here compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the jobs per 1,000 workers metric?
The 8.997 jobs per 1,000 workers metric suggests a steady demand for Fast Food Cooks in the region, with nearly 9 positions available for every 1,000 individuals in the local workforce.
Does experience impact Fast Food Cook salaries in West Kentucky?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with more experience and potentially supervisory duties typically earn higher wages than entry-level employees.
How does the local cost of living affect the salary of a Fast Food Cook in West Kentucky?
The local cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $23,930 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary, despite being nominally lower.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.997 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 Kentucky nonmetropolitan area