Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Erie, PA

In Erie, PA, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn a median annual salary of $27,450, which translates to a median hourly wage of $13.20. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,480 annually. When compared to local household incomes in Erie, where the area median is approximately $61,476, the earnings of fast food and counter workers are significantly less—nearly half the median household income. This disparity highlights the financial challenges faced by individuals working within this sector, as their income falls below the broader community's earning standards.

Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers in Erie typically earn around the 10th percentile mark of $21,480 annually, which corresponds to an hourly rate closer to $10.33. In contrast, more experienced workers at the 75th percentile earn about $29,230 per year or approximately $14.06 per hour. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, and performance. Workers with greater experience may also benefit from additional responsibilities or shifts that lead to higher pay rates, though these opportunities are often limited in this occupation. This wage progression reflects the industry's typical growth trajectory, where incremental increases are tied directly to experience and job longevity rather than substantial raises or promotions.