Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Great Falls, MT
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls, MT earn an average annual salary of $28,630. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation. The specific pay rates in Great Falls are shaped by the regional labor market and the cost of doing business.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,040.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls, MT, appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 1,420 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Great Falls compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially stable employment landscape for these workers.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls, MT earns-8.4%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,386
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Great Falls is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and adjustments in minimum wage policies typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles within this sector.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls, MT, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift leader or assistant manager. Salary increases are generally tied to accumulated experience, demonstrated performance, and the acquisition of supervisory skills, with higher percentile earnings reflecting significant tenure and leadership capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,710 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,473 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,788 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,040 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,630 in Great Falls, MT, aligns precisely 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 Great Falls is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains balanced.
Job Market Context
1,420
Total Jobs
38.659
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Great Falls, MT has 1.6x the national concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.58, Great Falls, MT, exhibits a notably higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker positions than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is more abundant with these opportunities relative to its population size, potentially leading to increased competition among job seekers but also indicating a strong presence and demand from local businesses.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,830↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,440↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,470↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,360↑ 3% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Great Falls, MT?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls, MT is $28,630. This typically ranges from $21,710 for entry-level positions to $35,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 8.4% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Great Falls, MT a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,630 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the compensation does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Great Falls, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Great Falls, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Montana nonmetropolitan area ($28,830) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary in Great Falls compare to the national average?
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls, MT, earn an average of $28,630 annually, which is approximately 8.4% lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Great Falls?
A Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates that Great Falls has 58% more Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs per capita than the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Great Falls?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Great Falls is on par with the national average, meaning the $28,630 salary has average purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Great Falls?
There are approximately 1,420 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Great Falls, MT.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,420 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 38.659 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 Great Falls, MT