Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Boston, MA-NH

In Boston, MA-NH, cooks in the fast food industry earn a median annual salary of $37,730, which translates to a median hourly wage of $18.14. This figure is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,160. When compared to the local median household income of $112,484, it becomes apparent that fast food cooks in Boston earn approximately 33.6% of what an average household brings in annually. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by individuals working in lower-wage occupations within a region where the cost of living can be relatively high. The estimated employment for this occupation is around 3,940 workers, with a local unemployment rate of 3.70%, indicating a modest demand for cooks relative to other industries.

Entry-level fast food cooks in Boston typically earn near the 10th percentile, which is approximately $35,700 annually or $17.18 per hour. In contrast, those who have gained more experience and are at the 90th percentile can expect earnings of about $45,080 per year or roughly $21.65 per hour. The difference in pay between entry-level and experienced workers can be attributed to several factors, including tenure with an employer, acquisition of specialized skills, performance, and possibly additional responsibilities assumed over time. As cooks become more adept and efficient, they are often entrusted with greater roles within the kitchen hierarchy, which contributes to their higher earning potential. This progression underscores the importance of experience and skill development in advancing financially within this occupation.