Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Morgantown, WV
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Morgantown, WV, can expect an average annual salary of $28,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic conditions and market demand specific to the Morgantown area. Factors such as the regional cost of labor and the overall economic landscape of West Virginia play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,650.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Morgantown, WV, appears moderately stable, with a total local workforce of 720 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.44 suggests that this profession is less concentrated in Morgantown compared to the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but also less specialized local market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Morgantown, WV earns-10.2%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,338
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Morgantown's fast food sector is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically drive modest salary growth in this sector, even in smaller markets.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Within the Fast Food and Counter Worker role, salary progression is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory duties, or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,420 | $9.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,045 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,300 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,075 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,650 | $17.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,060 in Morgantown 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 salary locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
10.802
Per 1K Jobs
0.44
Location Quotient
At 0.44x, Morgantown, WV has a notably lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.44, Morgantown, WV, has a lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the demand for these workers exists, the market is not as saturated as in many other parts of the country, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,790↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,030↓ 0% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,910↓ 4% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,490↓ 9% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,780↓ 1% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Morgantown, WV is $28,060. This typically ranges from $19,420 for entry-level positions to $35,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 10.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,060 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par with the national index, mitigating some of the disparity.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($25,790) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's fast food salary compare to the rest of West Virginia?
While specific state-level data for West Virginia is not provided, Morgantown's average salary of $28,060 is likely representative of the general wage levels for fast food workers within the state, which tend to be lower than the national average.
What factors influence fast food worker salaries in Morgantown?
Salaries are influenced by local economic conditions, the cost of labor in the region, the demand for fast food services, and the specific policies of individual employers regarding wages and benefits.
Are there opportunities for advancement for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Morgantown?
Yes, opportunities for advancement typically exist through gaining experience, taking on supervisory roles, or acquiring specialized skills, which can lead to higher compensation within the fast food industry.
Does the low Location Quotient mean fewer job opportunities?
A low Location Quotient (0.44) indicates less concentration of the profession, not necessarily fewer job opportunities. It suggests the market might be less competitive, potentially making it easier for qualified individuals to find employment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 10.802 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 Morgantown, WV