Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in South Carolina
Based on 65K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$27,520
$13.23/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
-10.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $35K
65K employed in South Carolina
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in South Carolina is $27,520 per year, which equates to approximately $13 per hour. This figure is 10.0% lower than the national average, and is based on the employment of over 65,000 individuals in this sector within the state.
Several factors can influence a Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in South Carolina. Experience level, the specific employer, and geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations in pay. The typical salary range falls between $22,340 and $35,020 annually.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,340 |
| 25th percentile | $23,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $27,520 |
| 75th percentile | $29,660 |
| 90th percentile | $35,020 |
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $28,346 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,520 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $28,346 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $23,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $27,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $29,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $35,020 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($27,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in SC | $35,740 | +29.9% | $17.18/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in SC | $18,370 | -33.2% | $8.83/hr |
| Cashier in SC | $28,530 | +3.7% | $13.72/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in SC | $30,110 | +9.4% | $14.48/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in SC | $30,690 | +11.5% | $14.75/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in SC | $33,590 | +22.1% | $16.15/hr |
| Security Guard in SC | $35,460 | +28.9% | $17.05/hr |
| Receptionist in SC | $35,510 | +29.0% | $17.07/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in SC | $35,990 | +30.8% | $17.30/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in SC | $36,020 | +30.9% | $17.32/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in SC | $37,220 | +35.2% | $17.89/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in SC | $38,860 | +41.2% | $18.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in South Carolina is $27,520 per year. This averages out to about $13 per hour for those employed in this field.
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers in South Carolina?
- Fast Food and Counter Worker salaries in South Carolina typically range from $22,340 to $35,020 annually. This means most individuals in this role earn within these approximate yearly pay brackets.
How does the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in South Carolina is 10.0% lower than the national average. The median annual pay in the state is $27,520, compared to a higher national median.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 65,070 Fast Food and Counter Workers employed in South Carolina. This substantial number reflects the significant presence of this job sector within the state.