Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area earn an average annual salary of $31,310. This figure is slightly above the national average of $31,240, indicating a stable, albeit not significantly higher, compensation landscape for these roles. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,730.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 63,800 Fast Food and Counter Workers, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington region demonstrates a significant presence of these roles. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, implying a steady and consistent demand for labor in this sector within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+0.2%above the national average.
$15.1
$602
$2,609
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this granular role is not provided, the fast-food industry typically experiences gradual salary growth year-over-year, driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics. It is reasonable to assume that Fast Food and Counter Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington have seen modest increases in their average annual earnings over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in management, customer service, or specialized roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding dedication and skill development within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,760 | $11.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,483 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,138 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,310 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers the typical expenses associated with living in the area.
Job Market Context
63,800
Total Jobs
22.24
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.91x 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 0.91 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington indicates that the job market is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, making it neither exceptionally competitive nor oversaturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $34,200↑ 9% | 28 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,710↑ 8% | 35 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,620↓ 5% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,820↑ 2% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,610↓ 9% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $31,310. This typically ranges from $23,760 for entry-level positions to $36,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 0.2% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $31,310 is only slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a comparable earning potential and cost of living to the rest of the country.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($34,200) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The large local workforce of 63,800 suggests a robust presence of Fast Food and Counter Workers, indicating consistent demand and a healthy job market for these roles within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.91 mean for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
A Location Quotient of 0.91 signifies that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is slightly below the national average. This implies a stable, but not exceptionally high, demand relative to other occupations in the region.
How does experience affect salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region?
While entry-level positions offer a starting salary, experienced Fast Food and Counter Workers can command higher wages. Career progression and skill development are key factors in increasing earning potential beyond the average.
Is the salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers sufficient given the cost of living?
With the average salary matching the national average cost of living index, the $31,310 annual income provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting it is adequate for the region's typical expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 63,800 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 22.24 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD