Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,770. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan areas. The lower average wage is often influenced by a combination of local demand, cost of living, and the overall economic structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,300.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,660 Fast Food and Counter Workers, the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 21.305 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent demand for these essential roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-23.9%below the national average.
$11.4
$457
$1,981
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in nonmetropolitan areas have seen gradual increases over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. These incremental adjustments are typical as employers adapt to rising operational costs and strive to maintain competitive compensation to attract and retain staff in a dynamic labor market.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Within the Fast Food and Counter Worker profession, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Entry-level positions typically offer wages at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, allowing dedicated individuals to advance from basic service roles to more responsible and better-compensated positions over time.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,990 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,828 | $8.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,950 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,713 | $14.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,300 | $13.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,770 in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the national standard. Consequently, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in this specific locale.
Job Market Context
3,660
Total Jobs
21.305
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.87x 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 (LQ) of 0.87 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other employment sectors. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,770↑ 17% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↑ 11% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,230↑ 19% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,250↑ 23% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $23,770. This typically ranges from $17,990 for entry-level positions to $28,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 23.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $23,770 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($27,770) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 3,660 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this sector, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities for new entrants and experienced workers alike.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.87 signify?
An LQ of 0.87 means that Fast Food and Counter Workers are slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average, implying a stable job market without excessive competition.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $23,770 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making the lower nominal wage more palatable within the local economic context.
What is the job density for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this area?
There are approximately 21.305 Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs for every 1,000 workers in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, indicating a steady presence of these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,660 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 21.305 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area