Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Knoxville, TN
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $28,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics differ from the broader national landscape. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,260.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,200 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Knoxville demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles. The Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates that this profession is slightly more prevalent in Knoxville compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Knoxville, TN earns-8.8%below the national average.
$13.7
$548
$2,374
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 Knoxville have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This consistent, albeit often modest, upward movement is typical for roles within the service industry, reflecting adjustments to minimum wage laws and evolving market demands.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Knoxville typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced staff, shift leaders, or assistant managers can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings often signify the career ladder available, from novice roles to supervisory positions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,550 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,368 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,680 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,613 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,260 | $17 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,490 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
11,200
Total Jobs
26.784
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Knoxville's Location Quotient of 1.09 for Fast Food and Counter Workers suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence and potentially a higher demand for these workers relative to other professions within the city, making it a competitive but accessible market for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,950↓ 9% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,730↓ 10% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,650↑ 4% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,830↓ 6% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,200↓ 8% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Knoxville, TN is $28,490. This typically ranges from $22,550 for entry-level positions to $35,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 8.8% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $28,490 is below the national average, indicating less earning potential in absolute terms.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($25,950) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's cost of living compare to the national average?
Knoxville's cost of living is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are comparable to the U.S. average.
Are there many Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs in Knoxville?
Yes, with 26.784 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 11,200 in this sector, Knoxville has a significant presence of these roles.
What is a Location Quotient and what does 1.09 mean for Knoxville?
A Location Quotient (LQ) measures the concentration of a specific occupation in a particular geographic area compared to the national average. An LQ of 1.09 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Workers are 9% more concentrated in Knoxville than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand or prevalence.
Can a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary increase significantly with experience in Knoxville?
Yes, while entry-level positions offer a starting wage, accumulating experience, taking on supervisory roles, or specializing can lead to a noticeable increase in earnings within the Fast Food and Counter Worker field in Knoxville.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,200 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 26.784 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 Knoxville, TN