Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lancaster, PA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lancaster, PA, earn an average annual salary of $28,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, indicating localized economic factors and demand influencing compensation in the region. While the nominal pay may be lower, the cost of living in Lancaster aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting a balanced purchasing power for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,280 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Lancaster, PA, demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.02 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Lancaster is very close to the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for these services within the local economy. The robust number of jobs per 1,000 workers (25.086) further underscores the steady employment opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lancaster, PA earns-7.5%below the national average.
$13.9
$556
$2,408
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lancaster, PA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands for service industry roles. Such incremental increases are characteristic of stable, established job markets.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Lancaster, PA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lancaster, PA, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally command higher salaries. While specific percentile salary data is unavailable, the typical salary range for this occupation suggests that experienced workers can earn significantly more than those just starting out. The difference between entry-level and senior-level pay often reflects accumulated skills, increased responsibilities, and demonstrated performance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,220 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,675 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,570 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,125 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,400 | $17 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,900 in Lancaster, PA, is directly comparable to 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 Lancaster is effectively on par with the national average. While the nominal income is slightly lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to many other areas across the country.
Job Market Context
6,280
Total Jobs
25.086
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Lancaster, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Lancaster, PA, presents a highly balanced job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 1.02. This score, just slightly above the national average, signifies that the industry is neither significantly over- nor under-represented in the local economy. This equilibrium suggests a competitive yet accessible market, where demand for workers is consistent with the national landscape, offering stable employment prospects without extreme market saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,180↓ 2% | 22 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,890↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Reading, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,610↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,430↓ 2% | 35 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,990↓ 3% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lancaster, PA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Lancaster, PA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lancaster, PA is $28,900. This typically ranges from $22,220 for entry-level positions to $35,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lancaster, PA is 7.5% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Lancaster, PA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, but it offers stable employment.The average salary of $28,900 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, providing comparable purchasing power. The job market is stable with a concentration very close to the national average.
Is Lancaster, PA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lancaster, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lancaster, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($28,180) and York-Hanover, PA.
How does Lancaster's cost of living compare to the national average?
Lancaster, PA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Lancaster is comparable to the national average.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lancaster?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.02, which is very close to the national average of 1.0. This indicates that the proportion of these jobs in Lancaster is similar to the national proportion.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Lancaster, PA?
There are approximately 6,280 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Lancaster, PA.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers growing in Lancaster?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable Location Quotient and substantial workforce suggest a consistent and reliable demand for these roles, implying steady, if not significant, growth.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,280 employees in the Lancaster, PA area with a job density of 25.086 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 Lancaster, PA