Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $27,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, and potentially lower operational costs, influence compensation within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,900 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre presents a stable employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.95 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-10.6%below the national average.
$13.4
$537
$2,328
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market competition for labor.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and demonstrated performance. Entry-level positions will generally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized skills can command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,100 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,955 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,770 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,925 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,040 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,940 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
5,900
Total Jobs
23.227
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.95x 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 0.95 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre suggests a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. While not indicating an oversupply or undersupply, it points to a competitive environment where job availability is relatively stable and aligns with the typical demand seen across the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,490↑ 20% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,620↑ 6% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,940↑ 21% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $34,050↑ 22% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $34,320↑ 23% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $27,940. This typically ranges from $22,100 for entry-level positions to $35,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 10.6% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,940 is below the national average of $31,240, although the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a balanced but not high-paying market.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($33,490) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $27,940, which is $3,300 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The Location Quotient is 0.95, indicating that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $27,940 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial situation for residents.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
There are 23.227 Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, reflecting the local demand for these services within the broader workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,900 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 23.227 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA