Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $26,500. This figure falls below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan settings. The lower average pay is often influenced by a combination of local demand, cost of living, and the prevalence of entry-level positions within the sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,020.
- Outlook: The East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 4,450 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.27, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust and established presence of these roles. The high number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significant demand and employment opportunities available within this specific segment of the food service industry in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-15.2%below the national average.
$12.7
$510
$2,208
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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, adjustments to minimum wage laws, and efforts by employers to attract and retain staff in a competitive labor market, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers is typically tied to experience and added responsibilities. Entry-level positions often represent the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory roles, or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the industry, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,560 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,875 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,580 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,125 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,020 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,500 in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this region is comparable to that of a worker in a national average cost-of-living area. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar living standards in terms of essential expenses.
Job Market Context
4,450
Total Jobs
31.149
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.27 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area suggests that this sector is more concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand for these workers and potentially a more competitive job market for employers seeking to fill these positions. For job seekers, this concentration can translate into more opportunities, though it may also imply a need to stand out among a larger pool of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,380↑ 11% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,600↑ 0% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,250↑ 3% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,150↓ 1% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,300↓ 12% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $26,500. This typically ranges from $21,560 for entry-level positions to $35,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 15.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $26,500 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240, despite a national average cost of living. However, the higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.27) does indicate strong local demand.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($29,380) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas is $26,500, which is $4,740 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.27?
An LQ of 1.27 means that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs in this region is 27% higher than the national average, indicating a stronger presence and demand for these roles locally.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is on par with the national average. Therefore, the $26,500 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 4,450 Fast Food and Counter Workers indicates a substantial segment of the local economy is dedicated to this sector, suggesting numerous employment opportunities within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,450 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 31.149 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area