Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Valdosta, GA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Valdosta, GA earn an average annual salary of $25,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Valdosta region. Factors such as the cost of labor and the prevalence of quick-service dining establishments within the local market significantly influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,030.
- Outlook: The Valdosta, GA market supports a substantial workforce of approximately 2,700 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 2.03, this sector is more concentrated in Valdosta than the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for these roles within the local economy. The high concentration suggests that opportunities may be more readily available compared to national benchmarks.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Valdosta, GA earns-19.8%below the national average.
$12.1
$482
$2,088
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 Valdosta, GA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitive employment conditions within the local fast-food industry.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Valdosta, GA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervision or management. As experience and skill levels increase, individuals can expect to see their earnings rise. The salary distribution, often represented by percentiles, would show a widening gap between the lowest and highest earners, signifying clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,510 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,795 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,920 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,325 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,030 | $14.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,060 in Valdosta, GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a fast-food worker's salary in Valdosta is comparable to that of a worker in a national average cost-of-living area. While the nominal salary may seem lower than the national average for the role, the equivalent cost of living suggests a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
2,700
Total Jobs
49.764
Per 1K Jobs
2.03
Location Quotient
Valdosta, GA has 2.0x the national concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Valdosta, GA, exhibits a significant concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.03. This indicates that the proportion of these workers in Valdosta is more than double the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a strong local industry presence and potentially a competitive job market where employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee, FL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,550↑ 10% | 64 mi |
| Albany, GA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $24,150↓ 4% | 73 mi |
| Gainesville, FL Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,630↑ 18% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Valdosta, GA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Valdosta, GA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Valdosta, GA is $25,060. This typically ranges from $18,510 for entry-level positions to $30,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Valdosta, GA is 19.8% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Valdosta, GA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, but it is competitive.The average salary of $25,060 is below the national average, indicating it's not exceptionally lucrative in nominal terms. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.03) suggests strong local demand and potential for consistent employment.
Is Valdosta, GA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Valdosta, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Valdosta, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tallahassee, FL ($27,550) and Albany, GA.
How does Valdosta's cost of living compare to the national average?
Valdosta, GA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the U.S. average.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Valdosta, GA?
There are approximately 2,700 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Valdosta, GA.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers strong in Valdosta, GA?
Yes, the job market appears strong, with a Location Quotient of 2.03 indicating a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting robust local demand.
How many Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Valdosta, GA?
There are approximately 49.764 Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Valdosta, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,700 employees in the Valdosta, GA area with a job density of 49.764 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 Valdosta, GA