📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fast Food Cook Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$25,132
per year
Median
$23,472
per year
Hourly
$12.08
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$18,450
25th Percentile — Junior$21,604
50th Percentile — Median$23,472
75th Percentile — Senior$28,701
90th Percentile — Top Earners$30,757
💡 Top-earning Fast Food Cooks in Kentucky make up to $30,757 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$22.2k
2021
$22.8k
2022
$23.3k
2023
$23.9k
2024
$24.5k
2025
$25.1k
2026
📈 Fast Food Cook salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Fast Food Cook Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $21,111 -16.0% High
Lexington $21,111 -16.0% High
🔍
Fast Food Cook Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Fast Food Cooks. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $25,132 per year, Kentucky's Fast Food Cook salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $18,450–$21,604, while experienced Fast Food Cooks can command $28,701–$30,757.

Looking ahead, the Fast Food Cook profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fast Food Cook salary in Kentucky is $25,132 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $30,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Fast Food Cooks the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Fast Food Cook employment.
  • At $25,132/year, Kentucky Fast Food Cook salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $30,280/year.