Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,360. This figure falls slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where labor costs and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. The specific economic landscape and demand for these roles within this particular region shape the prevailing wage structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,550.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,160 Fast Food and Counter Workers, the job market in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a steady presence. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated demand for this profession within the region's overall employment structure.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-9.2%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,363
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise segment in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan areas is not detailed here, it is generally observed that wages for Fast Food and Counter Workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years nationwide. This trend is typically driven by factors such as minimum wage adjustments, increased demand for convenience services, and a general rise in the cost of living, suggesting a likely positive, albeit modest, upward trajectory for salaries in this role locally.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina 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. While specific salary data for these tiers isn't provided, the typical salary range for this occupation can expand significantly with experience. Higher percentile earnings often reflect increased experience, demonstrated leadership, and a broader skill set, signifying clear career advancement opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,420 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,270 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,570 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,450 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,550 | $17.6 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,360 in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Fast Food and Counter Worker's salary in this region is comparable to that of a worker in a national average cost-of-living area. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the real wages are relatively stable compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
5,160
Total Jobs
20.176
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.82x 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 0.82 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and necessary for the local economy, the market is not oversaturated, and there is a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these workers relative to the national distribution of the workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,770↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,940↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $30,500↑ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,360. This typically ranges from $21,420 for entry-level positions to $36,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 9.2% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,360 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($27,850) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,360, which is $2,880 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the national benchmark.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in this area?
There are approximately 5,160 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Is this job role highly concentrated in this region?
The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that Fast Food and Counter Workers are slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,160 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 20.176 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Fast Food and Counter Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area