Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in State College, PA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College, PA, earn an average annual salary of $27,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Pennsylvania city. The specific pay rates are often tied to the local economic environment and the concentration of businesses within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,910.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,780 Fast Food and Counter Workers, State College presents a stable employment landscape for this role. The location quotient of 1.06 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, if not growing, demand for these services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College, PA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$13.4
$538
$2,329
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College have experienced gradual growth, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. Salary increases are generally tied to accumulated experience and demonstrated leadership skills, with higher percentiles reflecting seasoned professionals who command more significant compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,040 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,963 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,540 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,938 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,910 | $16.8 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,950 in State College, PA, 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 that income is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
1,780
Total Jobs
25.932
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, State College, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.06 signifies that State College has a slightly higher concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where employers actively seek talent, offering opportunities for job seekers within this specific occupational category.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,320↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,710↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,370↓ 2% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,930↓ 7% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,740↓ 1% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College, PA is $27,950. This typically ranges from $22,040 for entry-level positions to $34,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, but the cost of living is average.While the average salary of $27,950 is below the national average, the cost of living in State College is exactly at the national average, meaning your earnings maintain average purchasing power.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($26,320) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the State College salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College, PA, is $27,950, which is lower than the national average of $31,240.
What is the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs in State College?
State College has a location quotient of 1.06 for Fast Food and Counter Workers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in State College affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the national average, the $27,950 salary in State College offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in State College?
There are approximately 1,780 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the State College, PA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,780 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 25.932 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 State College, PA