Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Salem, OR
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Salem, OR, earn an average annual salary of $34,340, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,240. This elevated pay is likely influenced by a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand within the Salem metropolitan area for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,810.
- Outlook: Salem, OR boasts a robust job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers, with a total local workforce of 5,400 individuals in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for these roles within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Salem, OR earns+9.9%above the national average.
$16.5
$660
$2,862
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Salem, OR, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases in the service industry driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Salem, OR
Career progression within the Fast Food and Counter Worker field in Salem, OR, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may hover around the lower percentiles, while senior roles and supervisory positions can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,270 | $14.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,755 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,320 | $16 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,925 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,810 | $19.1 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,340 in Salem, OR, 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 Salem is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
5,400
Total Jobs
29.005
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Salem, OR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.18, Salem, OR, presents a job market where Fast Food and Counter Worker positions are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant environment, where employers may actively seek talent, and workers have a good number of opportunities available within this specific occupational category.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,660↓ 2% | 21 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $32,490↓ 5% | 27 mi |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $36,640↑ 7% | 44 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,530↓ 2% | 53 mi |
| Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $32,810↓ 4% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Salem, OR
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Salem, OR?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Salem, OR is $34,340. This typically ranges from $30,270 for entry-level positions to $39,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 9.9% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Yes, Salem, OR offers competitive compensation for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average salary of $34,340 is above the national average, and the cost of living is right at the national average, making it a financially stable location for these roles.
Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($33,660) and Corvallis, OR.
How does Salem's salary compare to the national average for this role?
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Salem, OR, earn an average of $34,340 annually, which is $3,100 more than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs in Salem, OR?
Salem, OR has a Location Quotient of 1.18 for Fast Food and Counter Workers, indicating that these jobs are 18% more concentrated in the area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Salem, OR affect the salary?
Salem, OR has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the $34,340 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Salem, OR?
There are approximately 5,400 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Salem, OR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,400 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 29.005 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 Salem, OR