Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Illinois
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $32,900, surpassing the national average of $31,240. This slight premium is influenced by a combination of factors unique to the state's economic landscape, including regional labor demands and the cost of doing business within Illinois.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,820.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 139,090 individuals, the market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois is robust. The location quotient of 0.94 indicates a presence very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles across the state, without significant over-saturation or scarcity.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois earns+5.3%above the national average.
$15.8
$633
$2,742
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Illinois
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced individuals, supervisors, or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of wages clearly illustrates this career ladder, with senior roles occupying the upper salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,675 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,900 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,125 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,820 | $17.7 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,839
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $32,900 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when compared to the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of the salary is likely to be higher in Illinois than in many other states, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Job Market Context
139,090
Total Jobs
22.933
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.94x 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.
Illinois's location quotient of 0.94 for Fast Food and Counter Workers suggests that the concentration of these jobs within the state is nearly on par with the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where opportunities are readily available, but competition may be present, reflecting a healthy and active employment sector for this occupation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,130↓ 5% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,070↓ 6% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,510↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,150↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,320↓ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois is $32,900. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $36,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 5.3% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Yes, Illinois offers a slightly above-average earning potential for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average salary of $32,900 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, enhancing purchasing power.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($31,130) and Decatur, IL.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Illinois has 22.933 jobs per 1,000 workers for Fast Food and Counter Workers, which is a solid indicator of job availability within the state's labor force.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 0.94?
An LQ of 0.94 means that the proportion of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a balanced but not overly concentrated job market.
How does the cost of living in Illinois affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average, making the $32,900 salary stretch further and improving real income.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Illinois?
Illinois employs a significant 139,090 Fast Food and Counter Workers, highlighting the substantial presence and importance of this sector within the state's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 139,090 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 22.933 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 Illinois