Kentucky ranks 48th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, fast food pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($40,300) by $16,880 — a 72% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $20,660 to $31,420 — a $10,760 spread, 35% tighter than the national $16,610 range.
Cooks, Fast Food are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.34 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.34× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $20,660 | $9.93 |
| 25th percentile | $21,830 | $10.49 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $23,420 | $11.26 |
| 75th percentile | $27,920 | $13.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $31,420 | $15.11 |
| Mean (average) | $25,090 | $12.06 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $23,420 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $40,300 | +72% |
| District of Columbia | $38,350 | +64% |
| New Hampshire | $37,220 | +59% |
| Massachusetts | $37,100 | +58% |
| Vermont | $37,050 | +58% |
| Oregon | $37,020 | +58% |
| Washington | $36,800 | +57% |
| California | $36,410 | +55% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $23,900 | 1,170 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $24,520 | 15,500 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $22,260 | 27,800 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $25,530 | 640 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $26,000 | 6,000 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,060 | 2,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Fast Food salary in Kentucky?
The mean cooks, fast food salary in Kentucky is $25,090 per year. The median (middle) salary is $23,420 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Kentucky?
Entry-level cooks, fast foods (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $20,660 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $21,830 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Fast Food salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $31,420 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $27,920 per year.
How does the Kentucky Cooks, Fast Food salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, fast food salary in Kentucky is $23,420, which is -22% below national average of $30,160.