Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $26,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic factors and regional demand specific to the Birmingham metropolitan area. The prevailing wage in this sector is often influenced by the cost of labor and the overall economic landscape of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,740.
- Outlook: Birmingham's market for Fast Food and Counter Workers is substantial, with a local workforce of 9,100 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Birmingham compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other job sectors within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham, AL earns-16.5%below the national average.
$12.5
$501
$2,173
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 Birmingham have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of incremental wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a steady, albeit slow, upward trajectory for earnings in this role.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,720 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,553 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,430 | $12.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,588 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,740 | $17.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Birmingham, AL, is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means that the nominal salary of $26,070 for Fast Food and Counter Workers holds its purchasing power directly in line with the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
9,100
Total Jobs
17.573
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.72x 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 0.72 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Worker roles are less prevalent in Birmingham, AL, than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist, but the sheer volume of jobs per capita is somewhat lower than in more concentrated national hubs for this industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,610↑ 2% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,050↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,640↓ 9% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,600↓ 6% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,040↓ 12% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham, AL is $26,070. This typically ranges from $18,720 for entry-level positions to $35,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 16.5% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, Birmingham, AL is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers based on average earnings.The average salary of $26,070 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240, and the cost of living is at the national average, meaning purchasing power is diminished.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($26,610) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Fast Food Worker salary compare to the national average?
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham, AL, earn an average of $26,070 annually, which is approximately 16.4% less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham, AL?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.72, indicating that this profession is less common in Birmingham relative to the national average.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham, AL, has an estimated workforce of 9,100 Fast Food and Counter Workers.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Fast Food Worker's salary in Birmingham?
No, the cost of living in Birmingham is exactly at the national average (100), so the $26,070 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national-average cost-of-living area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,100 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 17.573 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 Birmingham, AL