Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Bellingham, WA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Bellingham, WA, earn an average annual salary of $37,280, significantly exceeding the national average of $31,240. This higher compensation is likely influenced by a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand within the Bellingham area for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,610.
- Outlook: Bellingham presents a robust employment landscape for Fast Food and Counter Workers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,820 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Bellingham, WA earns+19.3%above the national average.
$17.9
$717
$3,107
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 Bellingham have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing minimum wages, rising operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for service industry roles.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Bellingham typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, supervisors, or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,130 | $16.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,960 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,680 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,600 | $22.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,610 | $21.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,280 in Bellingham aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in Bellingham is comparable to that of a worker earning the national average in a typical U.S. city, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
2,820
Total Jobs
30.967
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.26, Bellingham demonstrates a job market that is 26% more concentrated with Fast Food and Counter Workers than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant market, where opportunities are readily available, but employers may also have a wider pool of local talent to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $37,780↑ 1% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $41,060↑ 10% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $38,060↑ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Bellingham, WA is $37,280. This typically ranges from $34,130 for entry-level positions to $44,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 19.3% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Yes, Bellingham offers a competitive salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average annual salary of $37,280 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($37,780) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Bellingham compare nationally?
Bellingham has 30.967 Fast Food and Counter Workers per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of these roles in the local economy.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Bellingham?
An LQ of 1.26 signifies that Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs are more concentrated in Bellingham than the national average, suggesting a stronger local demand or a larger industry presence.
Does experience impact salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Bellingham?
Yes, typically, as Fast Food and Counter Workers gain more experience and potentially move into supervisory roles, their salaries increase significantly, reflecting career progression.
How does Bellingham's cost of living affect the salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Bellingham's cost of living index is exactly 100, meaning it matches the national average. Therefore, the $37,280 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,820 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 30.967 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 Bellingham, WA