Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Wausau, WI
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau, WI earn an average annual salary of $27,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Wausau metropolitan area. Factors such as the regional cost of living and the concentration of related businesses play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,290.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,230 Fast Food and Counter Workers, Wausau presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but consistent demand within the community. The presence of 17.537 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady need for these services in the Wausau area.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau, WI earns-11.8%below the national average.
$13.3
$530
$2,296
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wausau's Fast Food and Counter Worker salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for food services typically contribute to incremental salary increases over time, suggesting that current earnings may be higher than those reported several years ago.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau, as elsewhere, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility and potentially supervisory duties. While specific percentile salary data for Wausau is unavailable, the general principle holds that as experience and skill levels increase, so does earning potential. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies opportunities for advancement and increased compensation within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,780 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,663 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,890 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,438 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,290 | $16.5 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,550 in Wausau, WI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard. Consumers in Wausau can expect their earnings to cover essential expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country, making the salary relatively stable in terms of real value.
Job Market Context
1,230
Total Jobs
17.537
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Wausau, WI has 0.72x 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 0.72 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and necessary, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. The demand appears steady, with 17.537 jobs per 1,000 workers, implying a reliable, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,320↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,280↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,140↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,240↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,980↑ 2% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau, WI is $27,550. This typically ranges from $21,780 for entry-level positions to $34,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 11.8% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, Wausau, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,550 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, the overall earning potential is lower.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($27,320) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's Fast Food Worker salary compare to the national average?
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau, WI, earn an average of $27,550 annually, which is less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Wausau, WI?
Wausau, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Wausau, WI?
The total local workforce for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wausau, WI, is approximately 1,230 individuals.
Is the job market for Fast Food Workers strong in Wausau, WI?
The job market is moderately stable, with 17.537 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.72, indicating a consistent but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,230 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 17.537 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 Wausau, WI