Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earn an average annual salary of $30,440. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, suggesting local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower demand relative to the national scale. The specific economic conditions and labor supply within the Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,740.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary area supports a substantial workforce of 11,880 Fast Food and Counter Workers. However, with a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average. This indicates that while the absolute number of jobs is considerable, the industry is not as dominant a feature of the local economy compared to national trends, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-2.6%below the national average.
$14.6
$585
$2,537
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this dataset is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for convenience services likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in average earnings.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. As experience and skill levels increase, individuals can expect to see their salaries rise significantly. The percentile gaps in earnings, though not detailed here, would reflect this upward mobility, with senior roles commanding substantially higher compensation than those just starting in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,360 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,830 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,970 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,050 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,740 | $18.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,440 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this area is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living being on par suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers essential expenses at a similar rate to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
11,880
Total Jobs
16.415
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 0.67x 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 0.67 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, indicates that this sector is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are a significant number of jobs (16.415 per 1,000 workers), the market is not saturated. Competition may be moderate, and there could be opportunities for skilled workers, but the industry's overall presence is less pronounced compared to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,500↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,690↓ 12% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,720↓ 9% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 9% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,540↓ 6% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $30,440. This typically ranges from $21,360 for entry-level positions to $37,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 2.6% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,440 is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the pay does not offer a significant advantage. The lower location quotient also suggests less industry dominance.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($30,500) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the Raleigh-Cary salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is $30,440, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Raleigh-Cary, NC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How concentrated is the Fast Food and Counter Worker job market in Raleigh-Cary?
The job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Raleigh-Cary is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.67, indicating fewer jobs per capita relative to the rest of the country.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Raleigh-Cary?
There are approximately 11,880 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,880 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 16.415 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC