Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $41,060. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $31,240, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher operational costs influencing compensation. The dynamic economic landscape of the region plays a crucial role in shaping these favorable wage outcomes for frontline service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,420.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 51,590 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established presence within the local job market. The rate of 24.771 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these essential service positions.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+31.4%above the national average.
$19.7
$790
$3,422
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 the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced growth over the past four years. Economic factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and a competitive labor market typically drive upward salary trends for roles in the food service industry, reflecting a positive trajectory for compensation.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,710 | $17.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,795 | $14.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,310 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,325 | $24.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,420 | $23.3 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,060 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the increased earnings are effectively balanced by the local cost of living, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
51,590
Total Jobs
24.771
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates that the industry is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented in the region compared to the rest of the country. Consequently, the market is neither exceptionally competitive nor unusually abundant, suggesting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $38,060↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $37,220↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $37,160↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $37,150↓ 10% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $37,780↓ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $41,060. This typically ranges from $35,710 for entry-level positions to $48,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 31.4% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Yes, but with caveats.The average salary of $41,060 is significantly higher than the national average, offering better nominal pay. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($38,060) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does Seattle's cost of living affect Fast Food worker salaries?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. While the average salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers is higher than the national average, the equivalent cost of living means the increased pay doesn't translate to greater purchasing power.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle?
The Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and typical presence of these jobs in the region.
Are there many Fast Food jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
With 24.771 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 51,590 in this sector, there is a substantial number of Fast Food and Counter Worker positions available in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
Can Fast Food and Counter Workers expect salary growth in Seattle?
While specific trends aren't detailed, general economic factors like inflation and potential minimum wage increases suggest that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have likely seen positive growth over recent years.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 51,590 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 24.771 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA