Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, can expect an average annual salary of $28,440. This figure is approximately 8.9% lower than the national average of $31,240. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Elkhart-Goshen region contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,830.
- Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area supports a local workforce of 2,760 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns-9.0%below the national average.
$13.7
$547
$2,370
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elkhart-Goshen'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. Increases in minimum wage, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive modest annual salary increases for these positions.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to positions with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. While specific percentile salary data is not available, the gap between entry-level and senior roles generally widens with experience, reflecting increased skills, training, and supervisory duties.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,330 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,430 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,550 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,830 | $17.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,440 in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, offering neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents.
Job Market Context
2,760
Total Jobs
21.491
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 0.88x 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 0.88 indicates that Elkhart-Goshen, IN, has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,280↓ 1% | 16 mi |
| Niles, MI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,570↑ 4% | 18 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,330↑ 3% | 45 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,370↓ 4% | 47 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,720↑ 5% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $28,440. This typically ranges from $22,260 for entry-level positions to $35,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 9.0% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,440 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($28,280) and Niles, MI.
How does the Elkhart-Goshen salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, is $28,440, which is approximately 8.9% lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the cost of living in Elkhart-Goshen, IN for these workers?
The cost of living index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
There are approximately 2,760 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN, metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers strong in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The job market is stable, with a slightly lower concentration (Location Quotient of 0.88) than the national average, suggesting a steady but not booming demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,760 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 21.491 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN