Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Altoona, PA
In Altoona, PA, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,320. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, indicating localized economic factors and potentially a different market dynamic at play. The specific pay scales in Altoona are influenced by regional demand, local business competition, and the overall economic landscape of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,030.
- Outlook: Altoona, PA supports a local workforce of 1,630 Fast Food and Counter Workers. The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these positions within the region. The presence of nearly 28 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Altoona, PA earns-15.7%below the national average.
$12.7
$506
$2,193
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Altoona, like in many other regions, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Altoona typically involves moving from entry-level roles to positions with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. As experience is gained, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with senior roles commanding higher pay. The percentile gaps in earnings signify these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,940 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,740 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,350 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,900 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,030 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,320 in Altoona, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the lower wage is offset by the stable cost of living, making the take-home pay's value comparable to national averages.
Job Market Context
1,630
Total Jobs
28.022
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Altoona, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, Altoona, PA, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Altoona is moderately competitive, with a steady demand for these roles. While not oversaturated, the presence of these jobs indicates a consistent need within the local economy for this type of labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,490↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,950↑ 6% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,260↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,710↑ 20% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,990↑ 6% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Altoona, PA is $26,320. This typically ranges from $19,940 for entry-level positions to $35,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 15.7% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,320 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power of this salary is maintained locally.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($25,490) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's Fast Food Worker salary compare to the national average?
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Altoona, PA, earn an average of $26,320 annually, which is $4,920 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Altoona, PA?
Altoona, PA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Altoona, PA?
There are approximately 1,630 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Altoona, PA.
Is there high demand for Fast Food Workers in Altoona, PA?
The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for Fast Food and Counter Workers in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,630 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 28.022 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 Altoona, PA