Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,350. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,240, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape of this area shapes the compensation offered to these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,640 Fast Food and Counter Workers, the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the workforce size indicates consistent demand and employment opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-22.1%below the national average.
$11.7
$468
$2,029
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases in the service industry. This growth is often driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and efforts to attract and retain staff in a competitive labor market.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with senior roles commanding higher pay. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential and career trajectory available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,750 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,263 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,438 | $14.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,340 | $13.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,350 in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
2,640
Total Jobs
20.405
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.83x 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 0.83 indicates that Fast Food and Counter Worker positions are slightly less concentrated in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,770↑ 14% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,230↑ 16% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $29,250↑ 20% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $24,350. This typically ranges from $20,750 for entry-level positions to $28,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 22.1% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $24,350 is significantly lower than the national average, even though the cost of living is at the national average. This indicates less earning potential compared to other regions.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($27,770) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 2,640 suggests a substantial number of existing positions, indicating consistent demand for Fast Food and Counter Workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.83 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 0.83 signifies that the concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers is slightly below the national average, implying a potentially less competitive but still active job market.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $24,350 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $24,350 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses for essentials are comparable to the rest of the country.
What are the typical career paths for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Career paths often involve advancement to supervisory or management roles, which typically come with higher salaries and increased responsibilities within the fast-food industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,640 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 20.405 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area