Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $28,350. This figure is below the national average of $31,240, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region contribute to this pay differential. Understanding these local factors is key for anyone in or considering this career path in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,650.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,530 Fast Food and Counter Workers, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area demonstrates a stable presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.67 indicates that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of workers suggests a consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-9.3%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,363
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving labor market conditions.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. As experience and skill levels increase, individuals can expect to see their salaries rise, with higher percentiles reflecting more senior or specialized roles within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,300 | $9.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,263 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,400 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,438 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,650 | $17.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,350 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Fast Food and Counter Workers in this area has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
2,530
Total Jobs
16.311
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.67x 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.
The location quotient of 0.67 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average. This could imply a moderately competitive job market, where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high relative to other industries or regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,680↑ 5% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,780↓ 6% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,940↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,650↑ 5% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,200↓ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $28,350. This typically ranges from $19,300 for entry-level positions to $36,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 9.3% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average salary of $28,350 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal pay indicates less earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($29,680) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is $28,350, which is $2,890 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
The location quotient is 0.67, meaning the concentration of these jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is 33% lower than the national average.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
There are approximately 2,530 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $28,350 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,530 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 16.311 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC