Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Helena, MT
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT, earn an average annual salary of $29,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation in this Montana capital. While the nominal pay is lower, the overall economic landscape of Helena plays a crucial role in understanding this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,130.
- Outlook: Helena, MT, supports a local workforce of 1,150 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the concentration of these roles in Helena is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable, if not slightly growing, demand for these positions within the local economy. The presence of 26.359 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT earns-6.0%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,447
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 Helena, MT, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for service industry roles typically contribute to incremental salary increases, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic environment.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT, typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary distribution shows that experienced workers can expect to earn significantly more than their less experienced counterparts. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the career ladder within this sector, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,670 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,020 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,050 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,700 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,130 | $17.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,360 in Helena, MT, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area. Therefore, relocating to Helena as a Fast Food and Counter Worker would likely result in a similar standard of living in terms of affordability compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
1,150
Total Jobs
26.359
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Helena, MT has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.07, Helena, MT, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is moderately competitive, with a steady demand that slightly outpaces the national ratio of workers in this field. While not an exceptionally high concentration, it indicates a stable presence and consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,630↓ 2% | 71 mi |
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,830↓ 2% | 77 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,440↓ 3% | 77 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,470↓ 3% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $32,700↑ 11% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT is $29,360. This typically ranges from $21,670 for entry-level positions to $36,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 6.0% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,360 is below the national average of $31,240. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($28,630) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Helena's cost of living compare to the national average for Fast Food workers?
Helena, MT, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $29,360 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
Is there high demand for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT?
The Location Quotient of 1.07 and 26.359 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a demand that is slightly above the national average, indicating stable employment opportunities in this sector.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT?
Helena, MT, has a total local workforce of 1,150 individuals employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers.
How does the average salary in Helena compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Helena, MT, is $29,360, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,240.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,150 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 26.359 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 Helena, MT