Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Birmingham, AL

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Birmingham, AL

Median annual salary $25,430 -16.6% vs national
Median hourly $12.23
10th percentile $18,720
90th percentile $35,740
Employed locally 9,100
National median $30,480

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
in
Birmingham, AL
vs

    In Birmingham, AL, the typical fast food and counter worker earns a median annual salary of $25,430, which translates to approximately $12.23 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation at $30,480, reflecting regional economic variations. When compared to the local household income in Birmingham, which stands at $69,627, it becomes evident that earnings from fast food and counter work constitute a smaller portion of the overall household earnings. The 10th percentile salary at $18,720 further highlights the lower end of the earning spectrum within this occupation, indicating significant variation among workers.

    Entry-level fast food and counter workers in Birmingham can expect to earn around the 25th percentile mark of approximately $21,410 annually. As workers gain experience and advance in their roles, there is potential for earnings growth, with those at the 75th percentile earning about $28,480 per year. The upper echelon, represented by the 90th percentile, sees salaries reaching up to $35,740 annually. This disparity between entry-level and experienced workers can be attributed to factors such as skill level, tenure in the position, shift differentials, and performance-based incentives. Additionally, demand for experienced staff in a competitive labor market with a relatively low unemployment rate of 2.90% may drive higher wages for seasoned employees.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,720
    25th
    $21,410
    50th (median)
    $25,430
    75th
    $28,480
    90th
    $35,740

    Birmingham economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,627 2023 • Census ACS
    Fast Food and Counter Workers salary vs area income 37% Median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary is 63% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers make per hour in Birmingham?

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham, AL is $12.23, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.34 or more per hour.

    Is Birmingham above or below average for Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries?

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Birmingham, AL is 16.6% below the national median of $30,480. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Birmingham?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $18,720 per year in Birmingham, AL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,410.