Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Worcester, MA
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Worcester, MA, earn an average annual salary of $36,650. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for this role. Factors such as the specific economic landscape and demand within the Worcester area likely contribute to this higher compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 individuals in this role, Worcester presents a moderately sized market for fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.41 suggests that this profession is less concentrated in Worcester compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable demand relative to the available workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Worcester, MA earns+17.7%above the national average.
$17.6
$705
$3,054
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Worcester is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for fast-food cooks have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food, in Worcester, MA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,690 | $16.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,488 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,813 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,580 | $19 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,650 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Worcester is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively offsets the cost of living.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
1.79
Per 1K Jobs
0.41
Location Quotient
At 0.41x, Worcester, MA has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.41 indicates that fast-food cooks are less prevalent in Worcester, MA, relative to the national employment landscape. This suggests that while the job exists, it is not a dominant sector, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for employers seeking staff, but also fewer opportunities compared to more concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $41,030↑ 12% | 14 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,890↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $39,430↑ 8% | 37 mi |
| Springfield, MA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,220↓ 4% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Worcester, MA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Worcester, MA is $36,650. This typically ranges from $33,690 for entry-level positions to $39,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 17.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, Worcester, MA offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Fast Food.The average salary of $36,650 in Worcester is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. Furthermore, the salary aligns with the national average cost of living, making the compensation more impactful locally.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($41,030) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does the Worcester salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
Cooks, Fast Food, in Worcester, MA earn an average of $36,650 annually, which is approximately $5,520 more than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Worcester, MA for Fast Food Cooks?
Worcester, MA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the higher salary in Worcester offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
How concentrated is the Fast Food Cook job market in Worcester, MA?
The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Worcester is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.41, suggesting a moderate presence of these roles.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Worcester, MA?
There are approximately 630 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food, within the Worcester, MA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 1.79 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 Worcester, MA