Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $26,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific economic conditions and competitive landscape in the Chattanooga area directly influence these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,650.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a substantial workforce of 7,330 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.11, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, and perhaps growing, demand for these positions within the local economy, implying a robust job market for individuals entering or continuing in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-14.1%below the national average.
$12.9
$516
$2,238
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chattanooga have experienced 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 contribute to a modest upward trajectory in average earnings for these positions.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Within the Fast Food and Counter Worker profession, experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased compensation as workers advance their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,640 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,138 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,160 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,563 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,650 | $16.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,850 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
7,330
Total Jobs
27.226
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.11 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chattanooga signifies that this sector is slightly more concentrated in the region than the national average. This suggests a healthy and perhaps slightly more competitive job market, with more opportunities available relative to the size of the national workforce in this occupation. Employers may find a readily available talent pool, while job seekers benefit from a slightly elevated presence of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,730↓ 4% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,750↓ 8% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,500↓ 5% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,250↑ 1% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,470↓ 13% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $26,850. This typically ranges from $21,640 for entry-level positions to $33,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 14.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,850 is below the national average of $31,240. This indicates that while the job market is stable, the compensation is not as high as in other regions.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($25,730) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare nationally?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chattanooga?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.11, indicating that this job category is slightly more prevalent in Chattanooga than the national average.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 7,330 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Does experience matter for Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries in Chattanooga?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level positions generally offer lower pay, while workers with more experience and advanced skills can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,330 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 27.226 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA