Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $29,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, indicating localized economic factors and regional demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific economic landscape and cost of labor in the Lehigh Valley influence these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,040.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 8,120 individuals in this role, the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area demonstrates a substantial presence of Fast Food and Counter Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests that this sector is nearly as concentrated as the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region. This indicates a robust job market that can support the existing workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-5.2%below the national average.
$14.2
$570
$2,468
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers across the nation, including in areas like Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a competitive labor market seeking to attract and retain employees in the service industry.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
For Fast Food and Counter Workers, salary progression is often tied to experience and demonstrated skill. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with supervisory responsibilities, or specialized skills can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,510 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,215 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,230 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,025 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,040 | $17.3 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,620 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region offers purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the take-home pay is expected to cover typical living expenses without significant strain relative to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
8,120
Total Jobs
21.948
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.90x the national average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.9 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and active, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other employment sectors. The job market is competitive but offers opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,610↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $34,200↑ 15% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,310↑ 6% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,180↓ 5% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,940↓ 6% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $29,620. This typically ranges from $22,510 for entry-level positions to $36,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 5.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $29,620 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage for these workers in this location.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($28,610) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $29,620, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.9, indicating that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $29,620 salary has average purchasing power.
What does the job market look like for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region?
The market is stable with 8,120 workers, and the concentration is close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,120 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 21.948 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ