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Food Service · Tennessee

How to Become a Cooks, Fast Food in Tennessee

Cooks, Fast Foods in Tennessee earn a median salary of $28,010/year, which is 7% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, fast food takes home approximately $633/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$28K
Median salary in Tennessee
-7%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
16,690
Employed in Tennessee

What a cooks, fast food can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$28,010
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,045/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home69% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$28,010/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$633/mo

Becoming a cooks, fast food in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Fast Food positions in Tennessee typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, fast food positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, fast foods. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 16,690 cooks, fast foods. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Kingsport-Bristol.

Cooks, Fast Food salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$32K$15.22/hr5,310
Kingsport-Bristol$28K$13.6/hr920
Morristown$27K$13.16/hr320
Jackson$27K$13.1/hr580
Knoxville$27K$12.86/hr2,890
Chattanooga$27K$12.83/hr1,040
Johnson City$27K$12.82/hr620
Memphis$27K$12.75/hr2,530
Clarksville$26K$12.62/hr910
Cleveland$26K$12.46/hr240

Cooks, Fast Food salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$21K
25th percentile
$24K
Median (50th)
$28K
75th percentile
$34K
90th percentile (senior)
$38K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, fast food make in Tennessee?

The median cooks, fast food salary in Tennessee is $28,010 per year ($13.47/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $30,160. Salaries range from $20,900 to $37,580.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, fast food in Tennessee?

Cooks, Fast Food positions in Tennessee typically require No formal educational credential. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, fast food afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $28,010, a cooks, fast food in Tennessee would take home approximately $2,045/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 69% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, fast foods in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, fast foods in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($31,650), Kingsport-Bristol ($28,290), Morristown ($27,370). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for cooks, fast foods?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, fast foods keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.