Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Owensboro, KY
Fast food and counter workers in Owensboro, KY, earn an average annual salary of $25,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the Kentucky region. The specific pay scales in Owensboro are influenced by a combination of local business operations and the overall economic landscape of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,810.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,050 individuals in this sector, Owensboro presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for fast food and counter workers. The location quotient of 0.88 suggests that employment in this field is slightly less prevalent than the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand and competition within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Owensboro, KY earns-18.1%below the national average.
$12.3
$492
$2,133
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Owensboro's fast food sector is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for fast food and counter workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics, leading to modest increases in average compensation.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
Career progression for fast food and counter workers in Owensboro, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned employees with supervisory or specialized roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,880 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,193 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,370 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,988 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,810 | $14.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,590 in Owensboro, KY, aligns perfectly with the local cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
21.661
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Owensboro, KY has 0.88x 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.
The location quotient of 0.88 for fast food and counter workers in Owensboro indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions is proportionate to the workforce, without an overwhelming surplus or scarcity of opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,780↑ 5% | 28 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,110↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↑ 3% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,230↑ 10% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,600↑ 4% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Owensboro, KY is $25,590. This typically ranges from $21,880 for entry-level positions to $30,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 18.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Owensboro, KY a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, Owensboro, KY is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average salary of $25,590 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Evansville, IN ($26,780) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the Owensboro salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for fast food and counter workers in Owensboro, KY is $25,590, which is $5,650 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY for fast food workers?
The cost of living in Owensboro, KY is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated are fast food jobs in Owensboro compared to the nation?
Fast food and counter worker jobs are slightly less concentrated in Owensboro, KY, with a location quotient of 0.88, indicating a slightly lower prevalence compared to the national average.
What is the total number of fast food and counter workers in Owensboro?
There are approximately 1,050 fast food and counter workers employed in Owensboro, KY.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 21.661 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 Owensboro, KY