Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Columbus, OH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbus, OH

Median annual salary $28,940 -5.1% vs national
Median hourly $13.91
10th percentile $23,890
90th percentile $34,870
Employed locally 32,270
National median $30,480

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
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    In Columbus, OH, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn a median annual salary of $28,940, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $13.91. When compared to the national median for this occupation at $30,480, workers in Columbus earn slightly less. This local median income also falls significantly below the area's median household income of $79,847. The disparity highlights that Fast Food and Counter Workers typically earn considerably less than other professions within the same region, reflecting broader economic patterns where entry-level service jobs often do not keep pace with more specialized or skilled employment opportunities.

    Within this occupation, there is a notable salary variance between entry-level and experienced workers. At the 10th percentile, earnings are at $23,890 annually, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,650 per year. As experience increases, salaries rise to $31,530 at the 75th percentile and reach up to $34,870 for those in the 90th percentile. The difference is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, performance, and sometimes shifts in roles or responsibilities within the fast food industry. This progression illustrates that while entry-level positions start with modest wages, experienced workers can achieve significantly higher earnings through experience and potentially additional training or leadership roles.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,890
    25th
    $27,650
    50th (median)
    $28,940
    75th
    $31,530
    90th
    $34,870

    Columbus economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,847 2023 • Census ACS
    Fast Food and Counter Workers salary vs area income 36% Median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary is 64% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Columbus, OH is $13.91, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.93 or more per hour.

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

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Columbus, OH is 5.1% 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 Columbus?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,890 per year in Columbus, OH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,650.