Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Auburn-Opelika, AL earn an average annual salary of $26,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting localized economic factors and potentially a different market demand structure influence compensation in this Alabama region. The cost of living being at the national average further highlights this pay disparity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,000.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area supports a local workforce of 2,130 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 29.667, the presence of these roles is slightly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-16.2%below the national average.
$12.6
$503
$2,181
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Auburn-Opelika isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by minimum wage adjustments, inflation, and the ongoing need for service industry personnel.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to positions with greater responsibility, such as shift leader or assistant manager. Salary increases are generally tied to accumulated experience, demonstrated performance, and the acquisition of supervisory skills. The percentile gaps in earnings signify these opportunities for advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,900 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,628 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,820 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,713 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,000 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,170 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the rest of the country, making the local cost of living a neutral factor in assessing financial well-being.
Job Market Context
2,130
Total Jobs
29.667
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area exhibits a higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively robust and potentially more competitive, with a greater availability of positions relative to the overall workforce size than in many other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,550↓ 6% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,910↓ 5% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,040↓ 8% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,050↓ 8% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,640↓ 10% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $26,170. This typically ranges from $19,900 for entry-level positions to $35,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 16.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,170 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240, indicating less earning potential in this specific role.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($24,550) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 2,130 suggests a substantial number of opportunities, but the concentration (LQ 1.21) indicates these roles are more prevalent here than nationally, potentially leading to more competition for available positions.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 1.21 means that Fast Food and Counter Workers are 21% more concentrated in Auburn-Opelika than the national average, signaling a stronger local industry presence for this occupation.
Does experience significantly increase pay for Fast Food Workers in Auburn-Opelika?
Yes, experience is a key driver for salary increases, allowing workers to move into supervisory roles and command higher pay, reflecting a typical career ladder in the food service industry.
How does the cost of living affect the $26,170 salary?
Since the cost of living index is exactly 100 (the national average), the $26,170 salary has the same purchasing power in Auburn-Opelika as the national average salary would have nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,130 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 29.667 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL