Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,770. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common occurrence where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation. The specific pay rates in this region are shaped by the interplay of local business needs and the available labor pool.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,960.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a substantial workforce of 9,760 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these roles is marginally higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these positions within the local economy. The presence of over 25 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a robust job market for this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-7.9%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,398
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 Charleston-North Charleston have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer demand for quick-service dining options.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to positions with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with senior roles commanding higher pay. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the tangible rewards of gaining experience and advancing within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,600 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,578 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,450 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,963 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,770 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food worker's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
9,760
Total Jobs
25.145
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that Charleston-North Charleston has a slightly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, perhaps marginally more competitive, job market for these roles, where employers actively seek to fill positions to meet consumer demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,990↓ 3% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,480↓ 15% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,680↓ 7% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,400↓ 5% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,520↓ 15% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $28,770. This typically ranges from $22,600 for entry-level positions to $35,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 7.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $28,770 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par with the national index. This indicates that while the cost of living is manageable, the earning potential does not exceed national benchmarks.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($27,990) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston-North Charleston is $28,770, which is approximately $2,470 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 9,760 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers strong in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Yes, the market appears strong with 25.145 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 1.03, indicating a concentration slightly above the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,760 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 25.145 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC