Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Alabama
Based on 41K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$23,700
$11.39/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
-22.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$21K – $33K
41K employed in Alabama
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Alabama is $23,700 per year, which translates to approximately $11 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, falling about 22.5% below it. With over 41,460 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant segment of the service industry.
Several factors can influence the specific Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Alabama. Experience level, the specific employer, and the geographic location within Alabama can all play a role. Smaller towns or businesses with lower sales volumes might offer less competitive wages compared to larger chains or those in more densely populated urban areas.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,080 |
| 25th percentile | $22,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $23,700 |
| 75th percentile | $27,840 |
| 90th percentile | $32,740 |
Top-Paying Industries for Fast Food and Counter Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Fast Food and Counter Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Fast Food and Counter Workers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $38,740 | 390 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $37,820 | 18K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $36,850 | 17K |
| Educational Services | $35,370 | 117K |
| Wholesale Trade | $34,990 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $24,411 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $23,700 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $24,411 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $22,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $23,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $27,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $32,740 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($23,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in AL | $32,180 | +35.8% | $15.47/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in AL | $26,840 | +13.2% | $12.90/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in AL | $27,840 | +17.5% | $13.38/hr |
| Cashier in AL | $28,250 | +19.2% | $13.58/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in AL | $30,040 | +26.8% | $14.44/hr |
| Receptionist in AL | $32,590 | +37.5% | $15.67/hr |
| Security Guard in AL | $33,720 | +42.3% | $16.21/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in AL | $34,140 | +44.1% | $16.41/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in AL | $34,290 | +44.7% | $16.49/hr |
| Medical Assistant in AL | $36,100 | +52.3% | $17.36/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AL | $36,900 | +55.7% | $17.74/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in AL | $38,400 | +62.0% | $18.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Alabama?
- The salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Alabama generally falls between $21,080 and $32,740 per year. This means that while the median is $23,700 annually, some workers earn less, and others can earn significantly more.
How does the Alabama Fast Food and Counter Worker salary compare to the national average?
- Fast Food and Counter Worker salaries in Alabama are considerably lower than the national average, by approximately 22.5%. This indicates that the median Alabama salary of $23,700 per year is substantially less than what workers in similar roles earn nationwide.
What is the hourly wage for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Alabama?
- On average, Fast Food and Counter Workers in Alabama earn about $11 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $23,700 and reflects the typical compensation for this position in the state.
How many people are employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers in Alabama?
- There are a substantial number of individuals working as Fast Food and Counter Workers in Alabama. The total employment for this role in the state is estimated to be around 41,460 individuals, highlighting the prevalence of these jobs.