Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lafayette, LA
Fast food and counter workers in Lafayette, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $25,080. This figure falls below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic conditions and regional demand for these essential service roles. The specific pay scales in Lafayette are influenced by a combination of local labor market dynamics and the cost of doing business within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,450.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,300 individuals in this sector, Lafayette presents a moderately sized employment pool for fast food and counter workers. The location quotient of 0.77 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in Lafayette compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other industries.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette, LA earns-19.7%below the national average.
$12.1
$482
$2,090
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette's fast food sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive wage increases across most industries, including fast food, as employers adapt to maintain competitiveness and attract talent.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for fast food and counter workers typically correlates with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned employees with supervisory roles or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,610 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,810 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,790 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,350 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,450 | $16.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,080 in Lafayette aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is relatively stable when compared to other areas across the United States, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
3,300
Total Jobs
18.806
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.77x 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 0.77 indicates that fast food and counter worker jobs are present in Lafayette but are not as heavily concentrated as they are nationally. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer standard wages to attract sufficient staff, but the demand isn't so overwhelming as to drive wages significantly above the regional average.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,340↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $21,950↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $22,470↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $22,430↓ 11% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,650↓ 2% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette, LA is $25,080. This typically ranges from $17,610 for entry-level positions to $34,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 19.7% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, Lafayette, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average annual salary of $25,080 is notably lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay limits earning potential.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($25,340) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's fast food job market compare to the national average?
Lafayette's fast food job market has a location quotient of 0.77, meaning it's less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other job sectors.
What is the average annual salary for fast food workers in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for fast food and counter workers in Lafayette, LA, is $25,080.
Does the cost of living in Lafayette affect the value of the salary?
The cost of living in Lafayette is at the national average (100), meaning the $25,080 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many fast food and counter workers are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 3,300 fast food and counter workers employed in Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,300 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 18.806 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 Lafayette, LA