Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions influence compensation. The specific economic landscape of the region plays a crucial role in shaping these wage levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,940.
- Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia region supports a substantial workforce of 24,400 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not oversaturated market. The presence of nearly 18.2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent demand within the local economy for these essential service roles.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-5.0%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,473
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for service industry roles likely contributed to a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in average earnings.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory duties, or specialized skills can command significantly higher wages. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,490 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,070 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,100 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,940 | $17.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,680 in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard. Consequently, relocating to or working in this area for this role does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living versus earnings.
Job Market Context
24,400
Total Jobs
18.196
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 0.74x 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 0.74 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia suggests that the job market for these roles is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the industry is present and employs a significant number of people, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other sectors within the region's economy. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,350↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,780↓ 10% | 64 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,180↓ 8% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,360↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↓ 11% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $29,680. This typically ranges from $22,490 for entry-level positions to $36,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 5.0% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $29,680 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage over other regions.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($28,350) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is $29,680, which is approximately $1,560 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia relative to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index for Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area?
There are approximately 24,400 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area.
Does the Location Quotient indicate high demand for these workers?
A Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate rather than exceptionally high demand relative to other job types in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,400 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 18.196 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC