Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Burlington, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Burlington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $27,850. This figure is below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. The specific pay rates in Burlington are influenced by the local job market dynamics and the cost of labor specific to this North Carolina city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,640.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,460 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Burlington, NC, presents a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that employment in this field is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Burlington, NC earns-10.9%below the national average.
$13.4
$536
$2,321
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Burlington's fast food sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages for service industry roles, suggesting that compensation for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Burlington has likely seen incremental improvements.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Burlington, NC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. Salary increases are generally tied to experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities, with significant percentile gaps between the lowest and highest earners indicating clear opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,060 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,888 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,110 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,813 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,640 | $17.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,850 in Burlington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective financial standing relatively balanced.
Job Market Context
1,460
Total Jobs
21.519
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Burlington, NC has 0.88x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Burlington, NC, signifies that this occupation is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable with 21.519 jobs per 1,000 workers, there isn't an overwhelming surplus of these roles, indicating a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850- 0% | 20 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,500↑ 10% | 32 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,180↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,360↑ 2% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↓ 6% | 36 mi |
Comparing salaries near Burlington, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Burlington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Burlington, NC is $27,850. This typically ranges from $19,060 for entry-level positions to $35,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Burlington, NC is 10.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Burlington, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,850 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are manageable, earning potential is somewhat limited in this specific location.
Is Burlington, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Burlington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Burlington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($27,850) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
How does Burlington's fast food job market compare to the national average?
Burlington, NC has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.88.
What is the cost of living in Burlington, NC for fast food workers?
The cost of living in Burlington, NC is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your $27,850 salary has average purchasing power.
How many fast food jobs are there in Burlington, NC?
There are approximately 1,460 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Burlington, NC, representing 21.519 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Can experience increase salary for fast food workers in Burlington?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles offering significantly higher pay than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,460 employees in the Burlington, NC area with a job density of 21.519 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 Burlington, NC