Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Syracuse, NY
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Syracuse, NY make a median of $33,910 a year, or about $16.3 an hour. The range runs from $31K at the entry level to $37K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 95.74), that's roughly $35,419 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,392/month — about 59.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $34K get you in Syracuse?
About fast food and counter workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Syracuse, NY
Entry-level fast food and counter workers (10th percentile) start around $31K. Mid-career wages sit at $34K.Top earners bring in $37K or more - a $6K 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 Syracuse numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do fast food and counter workers make in Syracuse, NY?
The median is $33,910 a year - that works out to about $16.3 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,200, and experienced fast food and counter workers can clear $36,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $34K enough to live in Syracuse?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,335/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,392/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 59.6% 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 Syracuse?
Syracuse has a Regional Price Parity of 95.74 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median fast food and counter workers salary is worth about $35,419 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.