Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in North Carolina
Fast Food and Counter Workers in North Carolina make a median of $28,760 a year, or about $13.83 an hour. The range runs from $21K at the entry level to $37K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $29K get you in North Carolina?
About fast food and counter workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, North Carolina
Entry-level fast food and counter workers (10th percentile) start around $21K. Mid-career wages sit at $29K.Top earners bring in $37K or more - a $15K spread from bottom to top.
Fast Food and Counter Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $38K | +25% | 7,390 |
| California | $37K | +21% | 438,950 |
| Washington | $37K | +21% | 94,830 |
| New York | $35K | +16% | 183,810 |
| Massachusetts | $35K | +15% | 81,770 |
| Vermont | $35K | +13% | 5,800 |
| Oregon | $34K | +13% | 58,150 |
| Alaska | $34K | +13% | 5,060 |
| Maine | $34K | +13% | 16,520 |
| Connecticut | $34K | +11% | 32,180 |
| New Jersey | $33K | +9% | 86,980 |
| Arizona | $33K | +8% | 86,640 |
| Minnesota | $32K | +5% | 59,220 |
| Illinois | $32K | +5% | 139,090 |
| Maryland | $31K | +2% | 48,270 |
Track fast food and counter workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when North Carolina numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do fast food and counter workers make in North Carolina?
The median is $28,760 a year - that works out to about $13.83 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $21,320, and experienced fast food and counter workers can clear $36,580. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $29K enough to live in North Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $1,988/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,348/month (median of metro areas), which eats 67.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a fast food and counter workers salary go in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median fast food and counter workers salary is worth about $28,760 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do fast food and counter workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.