Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $28,940. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,240, reflecting localized economic factors and regional demand within the state. The specific pay rates are influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall labor market dynamics unique to the Winston-Salem area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,260.
- Outlook: Winston-Salem supports a substantial workforce of 4,860 Fast Food and Counter Workers. While the Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the sheer number of jobs suggests a stable and consistent demand within the local economy. This robust employment base provides a solid foundation for career opportunities in the fast-food sector.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Winston-Salem, NC earns-7.4%below the national average.
$13.9
$557
$2,412
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Winston-Salem is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive incremental salary increases for fast-food positions, aiming to attract and retain talent in a competitive environment.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Salary progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Winston-Salem typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,790 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,705 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,175 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,260 | $17.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,940 in Winston-Salem aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
4,860
Total Jobs
17.773
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.72, Winston-Salem has a slightly lower concentration of Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist and are numerous, the market may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
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↓ 4% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,180↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,360↓ 2% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $26,280↓ 9% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $27,850↓ 4% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Winston-Salem, NC is $28,940. This typically ranges from $20,790 for entry-level positions to $36,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 7.4% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,940 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a highly lucrative market.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($27,850) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's fast-food job market compare nationally?
Winston-Salem has a slightly lower concentration of fast-food jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.72, but still supports a significant workforce of nearly 5,000 workers.
What is the average hourly wage for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Winston-Salem?
Based on the average annual salary of $28,940 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage is around $13.91.
Can I expect my salary to increase with experience in Winston-Salem?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary growth for Fast Food and Counter Workers, with senior roles and supervisory positions offering higher compensation than entry-level jobs.
Is the cost of living high in Winston-Salem for fast-food workers?
No, Winston-Salem's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your $28,940 salary will have average purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,860 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 17.773 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 Winston-Salem, NC