Cooks, Fast Food pay in Knoxville
In Knoxville (TN), the median pay for cooks, fast food is $13.26 an hour ($27,580 a year). About 2,120 people work in this job there.
That is 11% lower than the U.S. median ($30,890). It is 3% lower than the Tennessee median ($28,330).
Pay range for cooks, fast food in Knoxville (TN)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $10.22 | $21,250 |
| 25% of workers | $12.61 | $26,230 |
| Half of workers (median) | $13.26 | $27,580 |
| 75% of workers | $16.20 | $33,700 |
| 90% of workers | $17.68 | $36,780 |
Cooks, Fast Food pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $34,210 | 4,840 |
| Knoxville (this page) | $27,580 | 2,120 |
| Morristown | $27,310 | 240 |
| Memphis | $27,230 | 2,270 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $26,930 | 720 |
| Chattanooga | $26,890 | 940 |
| Jackson | $26,430 | 400 |
| Johnson City | $26,430 | 570 |
| Clarksville | $26,420 | 910 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for cooks, fast food
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +0.6% over ten years, little or no change · about 86,400 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Knoxville (TN)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $27,720 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,520 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $30,960 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.