Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
In Tuscaloosa, AL, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region influence compensation for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,160 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Tuscaloosa presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates a presence that is slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the demand is not disproportionately higher than in other similar-sized metropolitan areas.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-14.8%below the national average.
$12.8
$512
$2,218
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tuscaloosa's fast food sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages for service industry roles, even in localized markets, as employers adapt to maintain competitiveness and attract staff.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tuscaloosa typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift leader or assistant manager. While specific salary data for different experience levels isn't detailed here, the typical salary range for this occupation widens significantly with experience, with senior roles commanding higher pay than those just starting out, reflecting acquired skills and leadership capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,850 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,958 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,850 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,263 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,800 | $17.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,610 in Tuscaloosa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
2,160
Total Jobs
19.971
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Tuscaloosa, AL has 0.81x 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 0.81 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tuscaloosa suggests that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the industry is present and provides employment, it is not a dominant sector in terms of workforce concentration compared to national benchmarks, indicating a moderately competitive job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,070↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,050↓ 10% | 52 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,640↓ 11% | 52 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,600↓ 8% | 52 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $23,040↓ 13% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tuscaloosa, AL is $26,610. This typically ranges from $20,850 for entry-level positions to $35,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 14.8% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,610 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($26,070) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Tuscaloosa's fast food job market compare nationally?
Tuscaloosa has a slightly lower concentration of fast food jobs compared to the national average, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 0.81.
What is the total number of fast food workers in Tuscaloosa?
There are approximately 2,160 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Tuscaloosa, AL.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Tuscaloosa?
The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $26,610 salary offers average purchasing power locally.
Are there many fast food job opportunities in Tuscaloosa?
With 19.971 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady presence of fast food jobs, though the market is not exceptionally concentrated.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,160 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 19.971 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 Tuscaloosa, AL