Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Roanoke, VA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $28,330. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Roanoke market. Regional factors, including the cost of labor and the prevalence of quick-service dining establishments, contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,680.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,430 individuals in this sector, Roanoke demonstrates a stable employment base for Fast Food and Counter Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Roanoke is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA earns-9.3%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,361
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke's fast food sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles like Fast Food and Counter Workers, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract talent.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Within the Fast Food and Counter Worker profession in Roanoke, salary progression is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory duties, or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated individuals within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,248 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,990 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,413 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,680 | $16.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,330 in Roanoke, VA, aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in Roanoke is comparable to that of a worker in a national average cost-of-living area. While the nominal pay is below the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
3,430
Total Jobs
22.558
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA has 0.92x 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 0.92 indicates that Roanoke, VA, has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it is not disproportionately saturated with these positions. Competition may be moderate, with opportunities available but not overwhelmingly abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,350↑ 0% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,140↓ 1% | 43 mi |
| Beckley, WV Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,650↓ 6% | 76 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,700↑ 1% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 2% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA is $28,330. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $33,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 9.3% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $28,330 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average. The job concentration is slightly below national levels, indicating moderate demand.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($28,350) and Lynchburg, VA.
What is the average hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA?
Based on the average annual salary of $28,330 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA, is around $13.62.
How does Roanoke's cost of living compare to other cities for this role?
Roanoke's cost of living index is exactly 100, which is the national average. This means that the expenses for goods and services are comparable to the typical American city, making the $28,330 salary's purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there many job openings for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA?
With 22.558 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of these roles in Roanoke. While not exceptionally high, it indicates a steady demand within the local service industry.
What factors influence Fast Food and Counter Worker salaries in Roanoke?
Salaries are influenced by local economic conditions, the number of fast-food establishments, the cost of labor, and the experience level of the worker. Competition for talent and the overall demand for quick-service dining also play a role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,430 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 22.558 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 Roanoke, VA