Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
In New Orleans-Metairie, LA, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common trend in metropolitan areas where specific industry demand and local economic factors can influence compensation. The unique economic landscape of New Orleans-Metairie shapes the earning potential for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,640.
- Outlook: The New Orleans-Metairie area supports a substantial workforce of 8,090 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of nearly 18.331 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-9.1%below the national average.
$13.7
$546
$2,367
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in New Orleans-Metairie is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, adjustments to minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans-Metairie typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. Salary increases are directly correlated with experience and demonstrated leadership skills, with significant percentile gaps often observed between junior staff and seasoned professionals, reflecting a clear path for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,520 | $9.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,300 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,710 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,500 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,640 | $18.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,400 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans-Metairie aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
8,090
Total Jobs
18.331
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 0.75x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Worker positions are somewhat less concentrated in New Orleans-Metairie compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for job seekers in the service industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,300↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,560↓ 14% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,070↓ 15% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,630↓ 13% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,340↓ 11% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $28,400. This typically ranges from $19,520 for entry-level positions to $37,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 9.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,400 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This means your earnings will stretch similarly to elsewhere, but the absolute income is lower.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($26,300) and Hammond, LA.
How does the New Orleans-Metairie salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans-Metairie is $28,400, which is $2,840 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The cost of living index in New Orleans-Metairie is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
There are approximately 8,090 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers growing in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the presence of 18.331 jobs per 1,000 workers and a stable Location Quotient suggests consistent demand and a steady job market for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,090 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 18.331 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA