Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $28,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation levels. While the nominal pay may differ, the cost of living in Wilmington aligns precisely with the national benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,470.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, hosts a substantial workforce of 4,440 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these services within the local economy. The presence of nearly 24 jobs per 1,000 workers underscores the steady employment opportunities available in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wilmington, NC earns-8.9%below the national average.
$13.7
$547
$2,372
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for fast food and counter workers, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract talent.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift lead or assistant manager. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with senior roles commanding higher pay. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,940 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,345 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,910 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,575 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,470 | $17.5 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,460 in Wilmington, NC, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Wilmington is effectively equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for this role, the local cost of goods and services does not present a significant financial disadvantage.
Job Market Context
4,440
Total Jobs
23.738
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.97x 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.
Wilmington, NC's Location Quotient of 0.97 for Fast Food and Counter Workers suggests a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This indicates a healthy and competitive landscape where the number of available positions is relatively balanced with the number of workers. While not significantly over-represented, the consistent presence of these roles ensures ongoing employment opportunities for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,460↓ 4% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,680↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,720↓ 3% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,540↑ 0% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,900↓ 2% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wilmington, NC is $28,460. This typically ranges from $20,940 for entry-level positions to $36,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 8.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
No, but it offers stable employment.The average salary of $28,460 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The market is stable with consistent demand.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($27,460) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's cost of living compare to the national average for Fast Food Workers?
Wilmington's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your $28,460 salary will have purchasing power equivalent to the national average for this role.
Is the job market for Fast Food and Counter Workers saturated in Wilmington?
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the market is very close to the national average concentration, suggesting a balanced job market rather than one that is overly saturated or scarce.
What is the total number of Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 4,440 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in Wilmington, NC.
Are there many job opportunities for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wilmington?
Yes, there are approximately 23.738 jobs per 1,000 workers in this sector, indicating a consistent level of demand and availability of positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,440 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 23.738 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 Wilmington, NC