📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fast Food Cook Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$26,646
per year
Median
$24,886
per year
Hourly
$12.81
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$19,562
25th Percentile — Junior$22,906
50th Percentile — Median$24,886
75th Percentile — Senior$30,430
90th Percentile — Top Earners$32,610
💡 Top-earning Fast Food Cooks in South Carolina make up to $32,610 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$23.6k
2021
$24.1k
2022
$24.7k
2023
$25.4k
2024
$26.0k
2025
$26.6k
2026
📈 Fast Food Cook salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Fast Food Cook Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $26,646 +0% High
🔍
Fast Food Cook Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Fast Food Cooks. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $26,646 per year, South Carolina's Fast Food Cook salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $19,562–$22,906, while experienced Fast Food Cooks can command $30,430–$32,610.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fast Food Cook salary in South Carolina is $26,646 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $30,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Fast Food Cooks the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Fast Food Cook employment.
  • At $26,646/year, South Carolina Fast Food Cook salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $30,280/year.