Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn an average annual salary of $36,310. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,240, indicating a localized premium for these roles. This higher compensation is often driven by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,900.
- Outlook: The Portland-South Portland region supports a substantial workforce of 7,390 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for these essential service roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+16.2%above the national average.
$17.5
$698
$3,026
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in areas like Portland-South Portland have seen consistent, modest growth over the past four years. This trend is typically influenced by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving consumer demand for quick-service dining options.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
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. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles reflecting significant gains in earning potential and a move towards senior or specialized roles within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,710 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,233 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,150 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,388 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,900 | $20.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,310 in Portland-South Portland aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
7,390
Total Jobs
26
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.06 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Portland-South Portland indicates that this sector is slightly more concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is robust enough to support a slightly higher proportion of these workers compared to other industries or regions nationally.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $34,620↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,170↓ 17% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,890↓ 15% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,650↓ 16% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,060↓ 17% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $36,310. This typically ranges from $30,710 for entry-level positions to $42,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 16.2% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Fast Food and Counter Workers in Portland-South Portland earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($34,620) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Portland-South Portland is $36,310, which is higher than the national average of $31,240.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Portland-South Portland?
There are approximately 7,390 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME area.
How does the concentration of Fast Food jobs in Portland-South Portland compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs in Portland-South Portland is slightly higher than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Portland-South Portland?
No, the cost of living in Portland-South Portland is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $36,310 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,390 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 26 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 Portland-South Portland, ME