Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Decatur, IL
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, IL, earn an average annual salary of $31,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Decatur area. The cost of living in Decatur also plays a role in how this salary translates to purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,480.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,090 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Decatur presents a stable employment landscape for this role. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Decatur is very close to the national average, implying a consistent and steady demand that aligns with broader market trends.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, IL earns-0.5%below the national average.
$14.9
$598
$2,589
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's fast-food sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically lead to incremental increases in wages for frontline service positions.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory skills, or specialized training can command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| 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) | $23,303 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,838 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,480 | $17.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,070 in Decatur aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food worker's salary in Decatur is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Job Market Context
1,090
Total Jobs
24.094
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Decatur, IL has 0.98x 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 0.98 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced supply and demand for these roles, meaning the market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, offering a stable environment for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,030↓ 0% | 34 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,120↑ 0% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,790↓ 1% | 34 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,780↓ 1% | 34 mi |
| Springfield, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,320↑ 1% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, IL
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Decatur, IL?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Decatur, IL is $31,070. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $35,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 0.5% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Decatur, IL a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $31,070 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while the pay is standard, it doesn't offer a substantial financial advantage over other regions.
Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($31,030) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does Decatur's job market compare nationally for this role?
Decatur's job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers is very similar to the national average, as indicated by a location quotient of 0.98. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (24.094) also reflects this national parity.
What is the cost of living in Decatur, IL?
The cost of living index in Decatur, IL, is 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither exceptionally high nor low compared to the rest of the United States.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Decatur, IL?
There are approximately 1,090 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Decatur, IL, contributing to the local service industry.
Can I expect my salary to increase with experience in Decatur?
Yes, typically, as Fast Food and Counter Workers gain more experience and potentially move into supervisory roles, their salaries tend to increase, reflecting a standard career progression within the industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,090 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 24.094 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, IL