Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lawrence, KS
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lawrence, KS earn an average annual salary of $27,670. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Kansas city. The specific pay rates are intrinsically tied to the local economic landscape and the concentration of these roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,910.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lawrence, KS, appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 3,130 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 2.49, this role is significantly more concentrated in Lawrence than the national average, indicating a strong local demand and a higher prevalence of these positions relative to other occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lawrence, KS earns-11.4%below the national average.
$13.3
$532
$2,306
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 have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and adjustments to minimum wage laws. This gradual increase aims to keep pace with inflation and the evolving demands of the service industry.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to supervisory or management positions. As experience is gained, individuals can expect to see their earning potential increase, with higher percentiles representing those with more extensive experience, specialized skills, or leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,250 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,753 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,820 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,588 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,910 | $16.3 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,670 in Lawrence, KS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income in Lawrence is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
3,130
Total Jobs
61.078
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Lawrence, KS has 2.5x 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 2.49 signifies that Lawrence, KS, has a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market with a strong demand for these services, potentially offering more opportunities for employment and career advancement within this sector in the local area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,470↓ 1% | 24 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,840↑ 8% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,120↑ 5% | 60 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,300↓ 5% | 74 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,590↓ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Lawrence, KS?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lawrence, KS is $27,670. This typically ranges from $22,250 for entry-level positions to $33,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 11.4% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Lawrence, KS a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,670 is below the national average of $31,240. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawrence, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawrence, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($27,470) and Kansas City, MO-KS.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 3,130 indicates a substantial pool of individuals already employed in this sector, suggesting a stable and established industry presence in Lawrence, KS.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.49 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient significantly above 1.0, like 2.49, means that jobs for Fast Food and Counter Workers are more common in Lawrence, KS, than in the average U.S. location, potentially indicating higher demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,670 salary in Lawrence, KS, has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning it's neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.
Are there many job opportunities for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lawrence, KS?
The high concentration (LQ of 2.49) and significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers (61.078) suggest that opportunities are relatively abundant in Lawrence, KS, for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,130 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 61.078 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 Lawrence, KS