Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area earn an average annual salary of $28,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and labor market dynamics can influence compensation levels. The specific pay rates in Harrisburg-Carlisle are shaped by a combination of local demand, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic health of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,370.
- Outlook: The Harrisburg-Carlisle region supports a substantial workforce of 7,420 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these services. The presence of 22.44 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available within this sector in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA earns-9.0%below the national average.
$13.7
$547
$2,369
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Harrisburg-Carlisle is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions, suggesting that local wages in Harrisburg-Carlisle have likely experienced similar modest increases.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle, as in most markets, is significantly influenced by experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while those with several years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile distribution of salaries reflects this, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals who have demonstrated greater value and expertise, thus commanding higher compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,030 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,323 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,350 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,538 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,370 | $17 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,430 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is effectively equivalent to the national average. While the nominal wage is below the national average for the role, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, suggesting that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
7,420
Total Jobs
22.44
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA has 0.92x 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 0.92 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle indicates that the industry's presence in the region is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without significant over- or under-representation compared to national benchmarks. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor saturated, offering consistent opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| York-Hanover, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,890↓ 2% | 23 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,180↓ 1% | 25 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,900↑ 2% | 35 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,990↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,260↓ 4% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $28,430. This typically ranges from $22,030 for entry-level positions to $35,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 9.0% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, but it is comparable to the national average.The average salary of $28,430 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power similar.
Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($27,890) and Lebanon, PA.
How does the Harrisburg-Carlisle salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle is $28,430, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the cost of living in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
The Cost of Living Index for Harrisburg-Carlisle is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are employed in Harrisburg-Carlisle?
There are approximately 7,420 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Harrisburg-Carlisle area.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers strong in Harrisburg-Carlisle?
The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.92 indicating a concentration of these jobs close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,420 employees in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area with a job density of 22.44 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 Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA