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Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY

In Lexington-Fayette, KY, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn an average annual salary of $27,770. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic conditions and regional demand for these roles. The specific pay scales in Lexington are influenced by a combination of local business operations and the overall economic landscape of the Fayette County area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,330.
  • Outlook: The Lexington-Fayette, KY market supports a substantial workforce of 5,540 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated employment landscape. The presence of nearly 20 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential service roles within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,770

The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-11.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.4

Weekly

$534

Monthly

$2,314

Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY

For Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced individuals and those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay reflect the value placed on accumulated experience, skill development, and increased responsibility within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,210$10.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,828$10
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,740$13.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,713$16.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,330$16.5

Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $27,770 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, 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 that income is comparable to the national standard. Consumers in Lexington can expect prices for goods and services to be on par with the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

5,540

Total Jobs

19.565

Per 1K Jobs

0.8

Location Quotient

Below Average

Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.80x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and provides employment, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other sectors within the region. The job market is likely competitive, with opportunities available but requiring attention to local hiring trends.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$24,360↓ 12%28 mi
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$23,770↓ 14%28 mi
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$24,350↓ 12%28 mi
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$23,490↓ 15%28 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$28,230↑ 2%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY

Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $27,770. This typically ranges from $22,210 for entry-level positions to $34,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 11.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,770 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This indicates that while expenses are standard, the earning potential is somewhat diminished relative to national benchmarks.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($24,360) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Lexington-Fayette salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $27,770, which is $3,470 less than the national average of $31,240.

What is the Cost of Living in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Lexington-Fayette, KY has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

There are approximately 5,540 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area.

Is the concentration of Fast Food jobs high in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.8, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderate presence of these roles relative to other job types.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,540 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 19.565 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY