Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,040. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor market dynamics of this region. Factors such as local demand, industry concentration, and the overall economic structure of nonmetropolitan areas often contribute to these pay differentials.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,400.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Alabama is characterized by a total local workforce of 820 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.52, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market relative to other areas. While not indicating explosive growth, this concentration implies a steady demand for these essential service positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-26.2%below the national average.
$11.1
$443
$1,920
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically scales with experience and demonstrated performance. Entry-level positions often represent the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with supervisory responsibilities command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedicated individuals with increased earning potential as they advance within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,660 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,280 | $8.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,380 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,800 | $13.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,400 | $13.7 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,040 in Southwest Alabama aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the financial impact of this salary is moderated by the cost of essential goods and services in the region.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
12.637
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.52x 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 of 0.52 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Alabama indicates that this profession is less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market is not saturated with these specific roles relative to the overall workforce. It implies a moderate level of competition for available positions, with demand being present but not overwhelmingly high.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,910↑ 8% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,070↑ 13% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,610↑ 15% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,170↑ 14% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,040↑ 4% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $23,040. This typically ranges from $18,660 for entry-level positions to $28,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 26.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers.The average annual salary of $23,040 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($24,910) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The local job market in Southwest Alabama has a lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.52.
What is the average number of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs per 1,000 workers in Southwest Alabama?
There are approximately 12.637 Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Does the Cost of Living in Southwest Alabama affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $23,040 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower wage.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Alabama?
The total local workforce for Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is approximately 820 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.637 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area