Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $24,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of non-urban settings. The lower average pay is often influenced by a combination of local demand, cost of living, and the overall economic structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,650.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,510 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests that this occupation is slightly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the workforce size. This suggests a robust, albeit localized, job market for these essential roles.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-21.5%below the national average.
$11.8
$472
$2,043
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts and inflationary pressures typically drive modest increases in wages for service industry positions, even in non-urban environments, as employers strive to attract and retain staff.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. While specific salary data for different experience levels is not available, the typical salary distribution indicates that those with more experience and proven leadership skills can command higher earnings. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,800 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,390 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,850 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,650 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,650 | $13.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,520 in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the lower nominal wage does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in this specific region.
Job Market Context
2,510
Total Jobs
26.851
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.09 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these workers is relatively stable and perhaps slightly higher per capita compared to other regions. While not indicating an extreme shortage, it points to a consistent need for these roles within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,430↑ 8% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,480↓ 0% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,760↑ 5% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,760↑ 5% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,770↑ 17% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $24,520. This typically ranges from $18,800 for entry-level positions to $28,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 21.5% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average annual salary of $24,520 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($26,430) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is $24,520, which is $6,720 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region?
The Location Quotient is 1.09, meaning this occupation is slightly more concentrated in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are employed in this area?
There are approximately 2,510 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area.
Does the Cost of Living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal salary, the purchasing power of $24,520 in this region is equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,510 employees in the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 26.851 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 Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area