Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Asheville, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $29,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics may differ from broader national trends. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Asheville directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,840.
- Outlook: Asheville boasts a dedicated workforce of 4,410 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these roles in Asheville is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these positions within the local economy. The substantial number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady presence of this employment sector.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville, NC earns-5.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$570
$2,471
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and adjustments in minimum wage policies typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles within this sector, reflecting an evolving labor market.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or supervisory roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with higher percentiles representing those with greater tenure, specialized skills, or leadership responsibilities. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,010 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,238 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,240 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,063 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,840 | $17.7 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $29,650 in Asheville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
4,410
Total Jobs
23.511
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 0.96x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville is closely aligned with the national average in terms of industry concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable market, where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers, indicating neither a significant surplus nor a pronounced shortage of labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,150↓ 8% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,200↓ 12% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,780↓ 10% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,950↓ 12% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,830↓ 10% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville, NC is $29,650. This typically ranges from $22,010 for entry-level positions to $36,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 5.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $29,650 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that Asheville offers comparable, but not superior, earning potential relative to national standards for this role.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($27,150) and Johnson City, TN.
How does the number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville compare nationally?
Asheville has a total local workforce of 4,410 Fast Food and Counter Workers, which is a substantial segment of the local economy, closely mirroring national employment concentrations for this industry.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Asheville?
A Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Asheville is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and well-established presence of this job category.
Does the cost of living in Asheville affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Asheville is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $29,650 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' mean for this role in Asheville?
The figure of 23.511 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies that for every thousand individuals employed in Asheville, approximately 23.5 are Fast Food and Counter Workers, indicating a notable presence of this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,410 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 23.511 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 Asheville, NC