Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Decatur, AL
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, AL, earn an average annual salary of $26,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Decatur market contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,380.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL, supports a local workforce of 1,050 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these positions within the city's labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, AL earns-16.3%below the national average.
$12.6
$503
$2,179
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's Fast Food and Counter Workers is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of incremental wage increases driven by minimum wage adjustments and inflation.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
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 or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,720 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,613 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,520 | $12.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,688 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,380 | $17 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,150 in Decatur, AL, 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 is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
17.766
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 0.72x 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 0.72 indicates that Decatur, AL, has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market is not oversaturated, and there may be consistent opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,250↑ 4% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,300↓ 11% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,470↓ 10% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,070↓ 0% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,500↑ 1% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, AL is $26,150. This typically ranges from $20,720 for entry-level positions to $35,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 16.3% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $26,150 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($27,250) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
What is the average salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, AL?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, AL, is $26,150.
How does Decatur's cost of living compare to the national average?
Decatur, AL, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Decatur, AL?
There are approximately 1,050 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Decatur, AL.
Is the job market for Fast Food Workers concentrated in Decatur?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur compared to 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 1,050 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 17.766 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 Decatur, AL