Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different labor market dynamic. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by local demand, cost of labor, and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,940 Fast Food and Counter Workers, the job market in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas shows a steady presence. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that this sector is nearly as concentrated as the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-22.0%below the national average.
$11.7
$468
$2,030
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this granular region isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by minimum wage adjustments, increased demand for services, and efforts to retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Within the Fast Food and Counter Worker profession in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas, experience plays a significant role in salary progression. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,690 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,270 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,580 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,450 | $14.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,000 | $14.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,360 in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
3,940
Total Jobs
22.784
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.93x 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 0.93 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas indicates a job market that closely mirrors the national concentration of this profession. This suggests a competitive but stable environment where the number of available jobs is proportionate to the workforce size, without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,770↑ 14% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,230↑ 16% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,250↑ 20% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $24,360. This typically ranges from $20,690 for entry-level positions to $30,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 22.0% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average annual salary of $24,360 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($27,770) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 3,940 suggests a substantial pool of existing workers, indicating a stable demand for these roles within the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.93 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.93 signifies that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs in this area is very close to the national average, implying a balanced job market without extreme competition or scarcity.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $24,360 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
What are the job prospects for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region?
The stable Location Quotient and workforce size suggest consistent, though not rapidly growing, job opportunities for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,940 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 22.784 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area