Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for these specific roles compared to more urbanized areas. The cost of living in this region aligns with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,440.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwest Alabama appears to be moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.58, indicating fewer jobs relative to the national average. The total local workforce of 950 individuals suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment base for these roles within the region. While not a high-demand area, the consistent presence of these jobs provides a baseline of employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-21.3%below the national average.
$11.8
$473
$2,050
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 across most regions have experienced modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely applies to Northwest Alabama as well, though the rate of increase may be more subdued compared to national averages due to localized economic conditions.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Within the Fast Food and Counter Worker profession in Northwest Alabama, salary progression typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned workers with supervisory responsibilities or specialized training can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain more experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,030 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,450 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,520 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,750 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,440 | $14.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,600 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwest Alabama is directly comparable to the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively aligned with what a worker might experience in a typical U.S. locale.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
14.176
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.58x 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 0.58, the market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwest Alabama is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the field is not as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a more stable employment environment for those already in the profession. However, it also implies a lower relative demand compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,910↑ 1% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,070↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,610↑ 8% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,170↑ 6% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,040↓ 2% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $24,600. This typically ranges from $19,030 for entry-level positions to $30,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 21.3% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area.The average annual salary of $24,600 is significantly lower than the national average, even though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($24,910) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwest Alabama is $24,600, which is considerably lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the employment concentration for this role in the area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.58, indicating that jobs for Fast Food and Counter Workers are less common in this region compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary in Northwest Alabama translates to a similar purchasing power as the national average, despite the lower wage.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in the area?
There are approximately 950 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.176 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Fast Food and Counter Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area