Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
In Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, Fast Food and Counter Workers can expect an average annual salary of $28,770. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common trend in areas with specific economic drivers and a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national benchmark. Local demand and the overall economic landscape of the region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,650.
- Outlook: The Pinehurst-Southern Pines region supports a local workforce of 820 Fast Food and Counter Workers, representing approximately 20.495 jobs per 1,000 workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these roles is just under the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. This indicates a consistent demand for these services within the community, providing a solid employment base for individuals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC earns-7.9%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,398
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines isn't detailed here, it's reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have likely seen modest growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation for service industry positions.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
For Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, career progression typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced or supervisory positions. While specific salary data for different experience levels isn't provided, it's understood that senior roles command higher pay. The difference in earnings between entry-level and senior positions signifies the value placed on experience, skill development, and increased responsibility within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,470 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,578 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,160 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,963 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,650 | $17.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,770 in Pinehurst-Southern Pines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the salary offers a comparable lifestyle to what one might expect elsewhere in the country, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
20.495
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC has 0.84x 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 0.84, Pinehurst-Southern Pines has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and necessary for the local economy, the market isn't as saturated as in some larger metropolitan areas. This could translate to a moderately competitive job market, where dedicated workers may find consistent opportunities without facing intense competition from a vast pool of similar professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,540↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,180↓ 6% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,360↓ 1% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↓ 9% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 3% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is $28,770. This typically ranges from $18,470 for entry-level positions to $36,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 7.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative, but stable.The average salary of $28,770 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville, NC ($28,540) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The average annual salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is $28,770, which is approximately $2,470 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.84?
An LQ of 0.84 indicates that Pinehurst-Southern Pines has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers relative to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market for this role.
How does the cost of living in Pinehurst-Southern Pines affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (the national average), the $28,770 salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings stretch as far as they would in a typical US location.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines area?
The local workforce for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC consists of approximately 820 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area with a job density of 20.495 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 Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC