Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

In Philadelphia and the surrounding areas of New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, cooks working in fast food establishments earn a median annual salary of $29,460, which translates to a median hourly wage of $14.16. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,160 annually. When compared to the local median household income of $89,273, the earnings of fast food cooks represent approximately one-third of what an average household in the region makes. Despite being a critical role within the fast-food industry, these salaries highlight a significant disparity between individual worker earnings and broader economic indicators within the area.

Entry-level cooks typically earn near the 10th percentile of $24,280 annually, reflecting the foundational level of experience required for such positions. In contrast, more experienced or specialized cooks can earn up to the 90th percentile, which is around $38,350 per year. This substantial variance in earnings is driven by factors such as tenure within the industry, skill level, and the potential for managerial responsibilities. Additional training and certifications can further enhance earning potential, demonstrating that experience and expertise play pivotal roles in salary progression within this field.