Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Charleston, WV
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston, WV, earn an average annual salary of $26,280. This figure falls below the national average of $31,240, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Charleston metropolitan area. The cost of living in Charleston, however, aligns with the national average, suggesting a different economic dynamic at play.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,310.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 720 individuals in this sector, Charleston, WV, presents a moderately sized employment pool for Fast Food and Counter Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.28 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated in Charleston compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston, WV earns-15.9%below the national average.
$12.6
$505
$2,190
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston, WV, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers nationwide have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend is likely reflected to some degree in Charleston, though local economic conditions can moderate the pace of salary increases.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV
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 accumulating experience, demonstrating leadership skills, and taking on more complex tasks. The gap between entry-level and senior roles often signifies substantial career growth 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) | $18,200 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,710 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,490 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,850 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,310 | $17 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,280 in Charleston, WV, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that expenses for goods and services are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
6.757
Per 1K Jobs
0.28
Location Quotient
At 0.28x, Charleston, WV has a notably lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.28 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston, WV, indicates that this profession is underrepresented in the local labor market compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the job market may not be saturated, and employers might face moderate competition for qualified candidates, potentially influencing hiring practices and wage adjustments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,600↓ 3% | 44 mi |
| Beckley, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,650↑ 1% | 46 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,780↑ 6% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Charleston, WV?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston, WV is $26,280. This typically ranges from $18,200 for entry-level positions to $35,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 15.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,280 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage means less disposable income compared to national benchmarks.
Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($25,600) and Beckley, WV.
How does the Charleston, WV salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston, WV, is $26,280, which is $4,960 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charleston, WV?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.28, meaning the occupation is less common in Charleston relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Charleston, WV?
Charleston's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower salary of $26,280 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 6.757 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates the prevalence of Fast Food and Counter Worker positions within the broader Charleston workforce relative to the national employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 6.757 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, WV