Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,490. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower operational costs characteristic of nonmetropolitan regions. The specific pay rates in this area are intrinsically tied to local market dynamics and the overall economic output of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,070 individuals in this sector and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Kentucky is stable and closely mirrors national concentration levels. This suggests a consistent demand for these roles, without significant oversupply or undersupply relative to the rest of the country. The presence of 22.406 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a healthy, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, employment base.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-24.8%below the national average.
$11.3
$452
$1,958
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increases in minimum wage, and evolving labor market conditions, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and broader economic shifts.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. As experience and skill levels increase, individuals can expect to see their salaries rise, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals commanding more competitive compensation. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,240 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,618 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,840 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,363 | $14.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $27,840 | $13.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,490 in East Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the salary, while modest, is adequate for maintaining a standard of living equivalent to that of the average American, considering local expenses.
Job Market Context
2,070
Total Jobs
22.406
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.91x 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 0.91 indicates that East Kentucky has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and functional, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within the local economy. The market is competitive but not saturated, offering a balanced environment for both employers seeking staff and workers seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,770↑ 18% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↑ 12% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,230↑ 20% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,250↑ 25% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $23,490. This typically ranges from $18,240 for entry-level positions to $27,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 24.8% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $23,490 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, the earning potential is lower than in many other regions.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($27,770) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the East Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Kentucky is $23,490, which is approximately $7,750 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in East Kentucky compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Fast Food and Counter Worker job market in East Kentucky?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a presence that is slightly below the national average concentration.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Kentucky?
There are approximately 2,070 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,070 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 22.406 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 East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area