Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
In Pittsburgh, PA, Fast Food and Counter Workers can expect an average annual salary of $28,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common trend in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and cost of living can influence wage scales. The specific economic landscape of Pittsburgh shapes the compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,310.
- Outlook: Pittsburgh boasts a substantial workforce of 27,020 individuals employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these jobs in Pittsburgh closely mirrors the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the local labor market. The presence of nearly 25 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pittsburgh, PA earns-10.3%below the national average.
$13.5
$539
$2,336
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Pittsburgh is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages for Fast Food and Counter Workers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest salary growth in service industries, suggesting that earnings for these positions have likely seen incremental increases.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pittsburgh typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned employees with supervisory duties or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,650 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,023 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,040 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,038 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,310 | $17 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,030 in Pittsburgh aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary offers a comparable standard of living to what one might expect elsewhere in the country, balancing the slightly lower pay with moderate living expenses.
Job Market Context
27,020
Total Jobs
24.363
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Pittsburgh, PA has 0.99x 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 0.99, the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pittsburgh is neither significantly more nor less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is in line with the overall employment landscape. It indicates a competitive but accessible environment for individuals seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,910↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,790↓ 8% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,060↑ 0% | 55 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,030↓ 4% | 57 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,490↓ 9% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pittsburgh, PA is $28,030. This typically ranges from $21,650 for entry-level positions to $35,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 10.3% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, but it offers comparable living standards.The average salary of $28,030 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($26,910) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does experience affect salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Pittsburgh?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while more experienced workers, especially those in supervisory roles, can earn significantly more.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs in Pittsburgh compared to the nation?
The concentration is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.99, indicating a balanced job market.
Does the cost of living in Pittsburgh impact the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary?
Yes, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $28,030 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How large is the Fast Food and Counter Worker workforce in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a substantial workforce of 27,020 individuals employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers, reflecting consistent demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,020 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 24.363 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 Pittsburgh, PA