Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 142K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$28,570
$13.74/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
-6.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $36K
142K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Pennsylvania is $28,570 per year, which translates to approximately $14 per hour. This figure is 6.5% lower than the national average for this profession. With over 142,000 individuals employed in this sector across the state, understanding compensation trends is vital for both employees and employers.
Several factors can influence the actual Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Pennsylvania. These include the specific location within the state, the size and type of establishment, and the level of experience an individual possesses. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary range, while more experienced workers or those in supervisory roles could earn towards the higher end.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,030 |
| 25th percentile | $24,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $28,570 |
| 75th percentile | $32,310 |
| 90th percentile | $35,880 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,427 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,570 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,427 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $24,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $28,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $32,310 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $35,880 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($28,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in PA | $36,580 | +28.0% | $17.59/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in PA | $34,690 | +21.4% | $16.68/hr |
| Cashier in PA | $29,220 | +2.3% | $14.05/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in PA | $29,420 | +3.0% | $14.14/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in PA | $31,200 | +9.2% | $15.00/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in PA | $36,640 | +28.2% | $17.62/hr |
| Receptionist in PA | $36,810 | +28.8% | $17.70/hr |
| Security Guard in PA | $37,050 | +29.7% | $17.81/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in PA | $40,040 | +40.1% | $19.25/hr |
| Tutor in PA | $41,740 | +46.1% | $20.07/hr |
| Medical Assistant in PA | $43,920 | +53.7% | $21.12/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in PA | $44,590 | +56.1% | $21.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, Fast Food and Counter Workers can expect to earn between $22,030 and $35,880 annually. This range provides a good overview of the potential income for individuals in these roles.
How does the median Fast Food and Counter Worker pay in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Pennsylvania is $28,570 per year, which is 6.5% less than the national average. This suggests that pay rates for this profession are generally lower in Pennsylvania compared to the rest of the country.
What is the average hourly wage for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Pennsylvania?
- The average hourly wage for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Pennsylvania is around $14. This is derived from the median annual salary of $28,570.
Is the salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Pennsylvania higher or lower than the national median?
- The median salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Pennsylvania is $28,570 per year, which is 6.5% lower than the national median. This indicates that, on average, workers in this field in Pennsylvania earn less than their national counterparts.