Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area earn an average annual salary of $34,200. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $31,240. Local economic factors and a specific demand within the region contribute to this elevated compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,160 individuals in this sector, Trenton-Princeton demonstrates a significant presence of Fast Food and Counter Workers. The location quotient of 0.71 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers (17.395) indicates a steady demand for these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ earns+9.5%above the national average.
$16.4
$658
$2,850
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 Trenton-Princeton 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 market demands for service industry professionals.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Trenton-Princeton typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized training can command significantly higher salaries. The variance between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights clear opportunities for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,650 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,620 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,750 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,360 | $18 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,200 in Trenton-Princeton aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
4,160
Total Jobs
17.395
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Trenton-Princeton, NJ has 0.71x 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.
A location quotient of 0.71 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Worker roles are slightly less concentrated in Trenton-Princeton compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $31,310↓ 8% | 28 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,620↓ 13% | 45 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $36,400↑ 6% | 52 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,710↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $33,940↓ 1% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $34,200. This typically ranges from $31,470 for entry-level positions to $37,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 9.5% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Fast Food and Counter Workers in Trenton-Princeton earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially favorable for these roles.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($31,310) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Trenton-Princeton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Trenton-Princeton is $34,200, which is $2,960 higher than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Trenton-Princeton, NJ has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Trenton-Princeton?
There are approximately 4,160 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Trenton-Princeton area.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers strong in Trenton-Princeton?
With 17.395 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is steady, and the location quotient of 0.71 suggests a balanced market that isn't overly saturated.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,160 employees in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area with a job density of 17.395 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 Trenton-Princeton, NJ