Cooks, Fast Food in Alabama
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Alabama | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $26,690 | $30,160 | -11.5% vs US |
| State Rank | #40 of 53 states | ||
| Employment | 25,580 jobs | 668,230 jobs | 3.8% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $21,830 | $10.50 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,040 | $11.08 |
| Median | $26,690 | $12.83 |
| 75th Percentile | $28,730 | $13.81 |
| 90th Percentile | $32,670 | $15.71 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Cooks, Fast Food in Alabama in 2026?
With a median salary of $26,690 in Alabama and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +51.0%, cooks, fast food are still in strong and growing demand.
How can cooks, fast food increase their salary in Alabama?
Cooks, Fast Food in Alabama can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Alabama currently ranks #40 out of 53 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Cooks, Fast Food in Alabama?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing | $44,930 |
| Beverage Manufacturing | $44,930 |
| Educational Services | $42,710 |
How are Cooks, Fast Food paid in Alabama compared to the national average?
The median salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Alabama is $26,690, which is 11.5% below the national median of $30,160.