Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA make a median of $35,710 a year, or about $17.17 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $44K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.67), that's roughly $34,446 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,960/month — about 76.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $36K get you in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
About fast food and counter workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Entry-level fast food and counter workers (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K.Top earners bring in $44K or more - a $10K 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do fast food and counter workers make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median is $35,710 a year - that works out to about $17.17 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,610, and experienced fast food and counter workers can clear $44,280. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,561/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,960/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 76.5% 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater has a Regional Price Parity of 103.67 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median fast food and counter workers salary is worth about $34,446 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.