Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,390. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,240, indicating a modestly higher compensation landscape in this region. Local economic factors and a substantial workforce contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,580.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area boasts a significant workforce of 104,270 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and robust job market that can absorb new entrants while retaining experienced professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+6.9%above the national average.
$16.1
$642
$2,783
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 the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor demands.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, team leads, or supervisory positions command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,043 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,020 | $15.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,738 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,580 | $18.5 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,390 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
104,270
Total Jobs
23.308
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.95x 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 0.95 indicates that the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly concentrated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,370↓ 18% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,620↓ 14% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,200↓ 7% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,200↓ 16% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,570↓ 11% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $33,390. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $38,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 6.9% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par.While the average salary of $33,390 is higher than the national average, the cost of living index being exactly 100 means your earnings will have average purchasing power.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($27,370) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $33,390, which is $2,150 higher than the national average of $31,240.
What is the job market like for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this area?
The job market is stable, with a total local workforce of 104,270 and a Location Quotient of 0.95, indicating a concentration close to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
No, the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the salary of $33,390 offers average purchasing power.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.95 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that the proportion of Fast Food and Counter Workers in this area is slightly less than the national average, implying a competitive but accessible job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 104,270 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 23.308 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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN