Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $25,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for these roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape of this region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for service industry positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,760 individuals in this sector, Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas demonstrate a stable, albeit not booming, job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers. The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests a concentration of these jobs slightly above the national average, indicating a consistent presence and demand for these roles within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-17.0%below the national average.
$12.5
$499
$2,161
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 Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect adjustments to minimum wage laws and the ongoing need to attract and retain staff in the service industry.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. As experience is gained, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles representing those with extensive experience and leadership capabilities, signifying a clear path for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,790 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,448 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,660 | $11.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,413 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,900 | $16.3 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,930 in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely 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 this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the region is neither exceptionally high nor low.
Job Market Context
3,760
Total Jobs
26.766
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Southwestern Pennsylvania 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 1.09 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Worker positions are slightly more concentrated in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average. This suggests a healthy, stable demand for these roles within the local economy, making the job market moderately competitive but also offering a reasonable number of opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,070↑ 4% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,950↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,860↑ 31% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,430↑ 10% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,180↑ 9% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $25,930. This typically ranges from $18,790 for entry-level positions to $33,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 17.0% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $25,930 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that matches the national benchmark. While the job concentration is slightly above average, the overall compensation is not competitive on a national scale.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($27,070) and State College, PA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas is $25,930, which is approximately $5,310 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the job concentration for Fast Food and Counter Workers in this region?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.09, indicating that these roles are slightly more prevalent in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas is at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in absolute terms.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are employed in this region?
There are approximately 3,760 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Southwestern Pennsylvania 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 3,760 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 26.766 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area