Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg, VA, earn an average annual salary of $29,660. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost of labor influence compensation in this Virginia city. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for both employees and employers in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,610.
- Outlook: Harrisonburg, VA, supports a robust local workforce of 2,470 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.55, this sector is significantly more concentrated in Harrisonburg than the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for these roles within the local economy. The substantial number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the prevalence and importance of this employment sector in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg, VA earns-5.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$570
$2,472
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Harrisonburg's fast food sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for service industry roles typically drive modest but consistent salary growth in this field.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg, VA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with supervisory responsibilities command higher compensation. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries, often seen in percentile data, signifies clear opportunities 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) | $26,880 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,245 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,060 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,075 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,660 in Harrisonburg, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast food worker's salary in Harrisonburg is comparable to that of a worker earning the national average in a typical U.S. location, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
2,470
Total Jobs
37.89
Per 1K Jobs
1.55
Location Quotient
Harrisonburg, VA 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.55 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg, VA, indicates that this profession is 55% more concentrated locally than it is nationally. This suggests a competitive market with a higher availability of these jobs relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more opportunities but also a need for workers to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,700↓ 3% | 22 mi |
| Charlottesville, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,990↑ 8% | 35 mi |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,250↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,430↓ 14% | 60 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,040↓ 5% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisonburg, VA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg, VA is $29,660. This typically ranges from $26,880 for entry-level positions to $35,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 5.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers is slightly below the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA ($28,700) and Charlottesville, VA.
How does Harrisonburg's fast food salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg, VA, is $29,660, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,240.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.55 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 1.55 signifies that Harrisonburg has a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs compared to the national average, indicating a strong local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Harrisonburg affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $29,660 salary in Harrisonburg offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Harrisonburg?
There are approximately 2,470 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Harrisonburg, VA, representing a substantial segment of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,470 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 37.89 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 Harrisonburg, VA