Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area earn an average annual salary of $25,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to this tri-state area. The local pay scale is influenced by a combination of industry demand and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,600.
- Outlook: The Huntington-Ashland region supports a local workforce of 2,550 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of nearly 18.2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-18.1%below the national average.
$12.3
$492
$2,133
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers across the nation, including the Huntington-Ashland area, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands for service industry roles.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers is closely tied to experience and demonstrated performance. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the industry, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,220 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,200 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,910 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,000 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,600 | $16.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,600 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
2,550
Total Jobs
18.175
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 0.74x 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 0.74 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Worker positions are somewhat less concentrated in Huntington-Ashland compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate competition for available roles and a steady, albeit not booming, employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↑ 3% | 44 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,780↑ 9% | 76 mi |
| Beckley, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,650↑ 4% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $25,600. This typically ranges from $21,220 for entry-level positions to $33,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 18.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $25,600 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($26,280) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.
How does the local workforce size compare nationally?
The local workforce of 2,550 Fast Food and Counter Workers is a substantial segment of the local economy, though its national significance depends on the overall size of the national workforce in this sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.74 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 suggests that the industry is less concentrated here than the national average. This could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for those roles.
How does the cost of living impact the $25,600 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $25,600 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have nationally. This indicates that local expenses are neither exceptionally high nor low.
Are there opportunities for career advancement in this role locally?
While specific advancement data isn't provided, the structure of the fast-food industry generally allows for progression from entry-level to supervisory or management roles, contingent on experience and performance.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,550 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 18.175 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH