Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earn an average annual salary of $27,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting that local economic factors and market dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific pay rates in Lafayette are influenced by a combination of regional demand, operational costs, and the overall labor market conditions unique to the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,840.
- Outlook: The Lafayette-West Lafayette area supports a substantial workforce of 4,310 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.72, this indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average. This robust presence suggests a strong and consistent demand for these services within the local economy, pointing towards a stable job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-11.5%below the national average.
$13.3
$532
$2,305
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 upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically drive salary increases in most industries, including fast food, leading to incremental improvements in compensation for workers.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. While specific salary data for different experience levels isn't detailed here, the typical wage progression sees higher earners occupying senior roles. The gap between entry-level and senior positions often signifies substantial salary increases, reflecting accumulated experience and expanded duties.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,000 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,745 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,400 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,575 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,840 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,660 in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, 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 for this role, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the salary offers a standard level of affordability within the local context.
Job Market Context
4,310
Total Jobs
42.256
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 1.7x the national concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.72 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette signifies that this profession is 72% more concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a robust and active job market with a greater availability of positions relative to the general workforce, indicating a strong demand for these services locally.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,280↑ 2% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,030↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,580↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,800↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,140↑ 5% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $27,660. This typically ranges from $22,000 for entry-level positions to $34,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 11.5% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the average salary of $27,660 is below the national average of $31,240 for this role. The high concentration of jobs, however, indicates strong local demand.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($28,280) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lafayette salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $27,660, which is $3,580 less than the national average of $31,240.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.72 mean?
A Location Quotient of 1.72 means that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette is 72% higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this industry.
Is the cost of living high in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
There are approximately 4,310 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,310 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 42.256 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-West Lafayette, IN