Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

In Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, cooks in the fast food industry earn a median annual salary of $35,360, which is higher than the national median of $30,160 for this occupation. This translates to an approximate median hourly wage of $17.00. When compared to the local area's median household income of $123,896, the earnings of these cooks represent about 28.5% of a typical household's income, highlighting a notable disparity between individual fast food worker earnings and broader community incomes. With an estimated employment figure of 10,190, this occupation constitutes a significant segment of the local labor market, where the unemployment rate stands at 3.00%.

Regarding wage progression within the industry, entry-level cooks tend to earn closer to the 10th percentile, which is approximately $31,200 annually, while more experienced workers might earn up to the 90th percentile, reaching around $45,880 per year. The disparity in earnings between these two groups can be attributed to various factors including experience, tenure at a single employer, and the acquisition of specialized skills or certifications that enhance efficiency and productivity in high-demand environments. Additionally, geographic location within this multi-state area may influence wage differences due to variations in living costs and local economic conditions, further driving the distinction between entry-level and seasoned workers' earnings.