Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,040. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business contribute to this compensation difference. The specific pay rates in this region are influenced by local market dynamics and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,800.
- Outlook: The Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 3,310 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.14, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable or potentially growing demand for these services within the region. The presence of nearly 28 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significance of this sector to the local employment market.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-10.2%below the national average.
$13.5
$539
$2,337
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Southwest Virginia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the fast-food industry. Economic pressures, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive incremental increases in wages for frontline service positions, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
For Fast Food and Counter Workers, salary progression is typically tied to experience and increased responsibility. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, supervisory roles, or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, if available, would signify clear career progression pathways and the earning potential for seasoned professionals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,940 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,030 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,270 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,050 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,800 | $14.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,040 in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is likely comparable to what a worker might experience in a national average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living locally.
Job Market Context
3,310
Total Jobs
28.076
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.14 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area signifies that this sector is slightly more concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles relative to the overall workforce, indicating a competitive but accessible job market. While not overwhelmingly concentrated, the LQ points to a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,990↑ 14% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,110↑ 7% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,700↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,660↑ 6% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,140↑ 0% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $28,040. This typically ranges from $25,940 for entry-level positions to $30,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 10.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the average salary of $28,040 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. However, 'lucrative' typically implies higher earnings, which is not the case here.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($31,990) and Richmond, VA.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Southwest Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower average salary of $28,040, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.14, indicating that Fast Food and Counter Workers are 14% more concentrated in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a solid presence and demand for these roles.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are employed in Southwest Virginia?
There are approximately 3,310 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers growing in this region?
While specific growth trends aren't detailed, the Location Quotient of 1.14 and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (28.076) suggest a stable to potentially growing demand for these positions within the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,310 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 28.076 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 Virginia nonmetropolitan area