Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area earn an average annual salary of $28,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common trend in regions where the cost of living aligns closely with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the food service industry contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,500.
- Outlook: The Lakeland-Winter Haven area supports a substantial workforce of 7,590 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.18, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand for these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL earns-8.9%below the national average.
$13.7
$547
$2,372
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 in Lakeland-Winter Haven have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of incremental wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly accelerating, career path for those in this sector.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to supervisory or management positions. While exact salary percentiles are not detailed here, the typical salary range indicates that experienced workers and those with leadership responsibilities can command higher earnings, with significant percentile gaps reflecting increased responsibility and skill acquisition.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,640 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,345 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,280 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,575 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,500 | $16.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,460 in Lakeland-Winter Haven aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
7,590
Total Jobs
29.026
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.18 signifies that Lakeland-Winter Haven has a slightly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this sector is relatively competitive, with more opportunities available per capita compared to other regions, potentially offering a favorable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,460↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,040↑ 6% | 26 mi |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,960↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,520↑ 4% | 48 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,500↑ 0% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $28,460. This typically ranges from $25,640 for entry-level positions to $34,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 8.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $28,460 is below the national average of $31,240. This indicates that while your money may go as far, the overall earning potential is somewhat lower than the national benchmark.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Florida nonmetropolitan area ($29,460) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lakeland-Winter Haven salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $28,460, which is approximately 8.9% lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.18, indicating that this area has 18% more Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs relative to the national average.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
There are approximately 7,590 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
The cost of living in Lakeland-Winter Haven is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,460 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,590 employees in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area with a job density of 29.026 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 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL