Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized fast-food roles contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan West Tennessee shapes compensation for these essential service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,240.
- Outlook: The West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 710 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 1.37, this indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially robust demand or a specialized market for fast-food services in the region. The 5.928 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the presence and relative importance of this occupation within the local labor ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-10.3%below the national average.
$13.4
$537
$2,327
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in nonmetropolitan areas like West Tennessee have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This incremental increase would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining staff within the local service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary data by experience level is not detailed here, it is understood that as cooks gain experience, refine their skills, and potentially take on greater responsibility, their earning potential increases. The percentile gaps in salary distributions, though not explicitly shown, would signify these opportunities for advancement and higher compensation within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,190 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,940 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,760 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,900 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,240 | $17.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,920 in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area 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 locally is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages and living expenses are relatively matched.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
5.928
Per 1K Jobs
1.37
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.37, West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.37 for Cooks, Fast Food in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area signifies a higher concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region may be more competitive for employers seeking to fill these roles, or conversely, that there is a greater abundance of these positions relative to the overall workforce, indicating a specialized local demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,030↑ 15% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,560↓ 5% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,160↑ 1% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,020↓ 3% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,310↓ 9% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $27,920. This typically ranges from $20,190 for entry-level positions to $36,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 10.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $27,920 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,030) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the West Tennessee salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $27,920, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.37 mean for Fast Food Cooks in West Tennessee?
A Location Quotient of 1.37 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks is 37% higher in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting a stronger presence of this occupation locally.
How does the Cost of Living in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $27,920 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in this region?
There are approximately 710 Cooks, Fast Food employed within the West Tennessee 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 710 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.928 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area