Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Wisconsin
Cooks in the fast-food industry in Wisconsin earn an average annual salary of $27,820. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating that regional economic factors and the specific demand within Wisconsin influence compensation levels for this role. The state's unique economic landscape shapes the earning potential for fast-food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,130.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,420 individuals in this sector, Wisconsin presents a substantial, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, employment base for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Wisconsin earns-10.6%below the national average.
$13.4
$535
$2,318
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 Wisconsin, mirroring national trends, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, adjustments to minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining options.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Wisconsin
The salary spectrum for Cooks, Fast Food in Wisconsin typically ranges from entry-level positions to more experienced roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, it's understood that as cooks gain experience, develop specialized skills, and potentially move into supervisory capacities, their earning potential increases. The gaps between salary percentiles reflect these opportunities for career progression within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,870 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,865 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,400 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,775 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,130 | $16.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,272
Adjusted for COL (91.9)
The average annual salary of $27,820 in Wisconsin for fast-food cooks needs to be viewed in conjunction with the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary may offer a slightly better purchasing power locally than it would in a higher cost-of-living area, though it remains below the national average earnings.
Job Market Context
9,420
Total Jobs
3.221
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Wisconsin has 0.74x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.74 for Cooks, Fast Food in Wisconsin indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,030↑ 1% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,540↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,000↑ 1% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,580↓ 1% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wisconsin
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Wisconsin is $27,820. This typically ranges from $20,870 for entry-level positions to $34,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wisconsin is 10.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Wisconsin a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Wisconsin is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average annual salary of $27,820 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is lower, the compensation does not reflect a high earning potential in this specific role.
Is Wisconsin a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wisconsin?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($28,030) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does Wisconsin's cost of living affect fast-food cook salaries?
Wisconsin's Cost of Living Index of 91.9, being below the national average, means that the $27,820 salary may offer slightly more purchasing power locally than the same amount would in a higher-cost state, but it still represents lower overall earnings.
What is the job market like for fast-food cooks in Wisconsin?
The job market is moderately sized with 9,420 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests a stable presence of these jobs, but not an exceptionally high concentration compared to the national average.
Can fast-food cooks in Wisconsin expect salary increases with experience?
Yes, typically, as fast-food cooks gain experience and potentially take on more responsibility, their salaries are expected to increase, reflecting career progression within the role.
How does Wisconsin's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Wisconsin is $27,820, which is lower than the national average of $31,130.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,420 employees in the Wisconsin area with a job density of 3.221 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 Wisconsin