Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $30,500. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240. Local economic factors and industry demand within the Research Triangle region contribute to this specific compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,420.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a substantial workforce of 4,980 Fast Food and Counter Workers. While the Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer number of jobs suggests a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-2.4%below the national average.
$14.7
$587
$2,542
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 Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. Salary increases are generally tied to acquiring experience, demonstrating leadership, and taking on more complex tasks, with noticeable percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,910 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,875 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,580 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,125 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,420 | $18.5 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,500 in Durham-Chapel Hill 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 comparable to the national standard, offering stability for residents.
Job Market Context
4,980
Total Jobs
14.528
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.59x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration of these specific roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,440↓ 0% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 9% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 9% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,180↓ 11% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,360↓ 7% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $30,500. This typically ranges from $21,910 for entry-level positions to $38,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 2.4% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $30,500 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($30,440) and Burlington, NC.
What is the average hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Based on an average annual salary of $30,500 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage is $14.66.
How does the number of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs compare to the national average?
There are 14.528 jobs per 1,000 workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, which is below the national average, reflecting the lower Location Quotient.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers growing in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size suggests consistent demand, though future growth would depend on economic development and consumer spending trends.
What factors influence Fast Food and Counter Worker salaries in this region?
Salaries are influenced by local economic conditions, the cost of living, the demand for fast food services, and the overall labor market dynamics within the Research Triangle area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,980 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 14.528 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC