Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Springfield, MO

In Springfield, MO, cooks in the fast food sector earn a median annual salary of $28,400, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $13.66. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,160. Compared to the local median household income of $61,488, the earnings of fast food cooks represent about 46% of a typical Springfield household's annual income. Given the estimated employment of 4,810 individuals in this field within the area and a relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.30%, these salaries reflect both regional economic conditions and the demand for entry-level positions in the hospitality industry.

The earnings for fast food cooks in Springfield vary significantly between those at the beginning of their careers and more experienced workers. Entry-level cooks tend to earn around $26,800 annually, placing them near the 10th percentile, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,460 per year. In contrast, cooks with greater experience or higher performance levels might find themselves earning up to $28,960 annually, corresponding to the 75th percentile, and some top earners reach nearly $29,820, near the 90th percentile. This wage variation is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, hours worked, and potential shifts towards supervisory roles or positions in larger establishments where higher wages are often offered.