Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Lakeland, FL

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

Median annual salary $27,280 -10.5% vs national
Median hourly $13.11
10th percentile $25,640
90th percentile $34,500
Employed locally 7,590
National median $30,480

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
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    In Lakeland, FL, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $27,280, which equates to a median hourly wage of $13.11. This figure is notably below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,480. When compared to local household incomes in Lakeland, where the area median household income is $63,644, the earnings of fast food and counter workers represent just under 43% of a typical household's income. Given the local unemployment rate of 4.20%, individuals holding these positions may find themselves navigating financial challenges relative to their peers in higher-paying occupations.

    For entry-level fast food and counter workers in Lakeland, the salary can start as low as $25,640 annually, which is at the 10th percentile mark. As employees gain experience and potentially take on more responsibilities or shift into supervisory roles, they may see their earnings increase to levels closer to the 75th percentile of approximately $28,400 per year. Top earners in this field can reach up to the 90th percentile with salaries around $34,500 annually. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, and performance, along with opportunities for advancement within or outside their current establishments. These variations underscore the potential financial growth trajectory available to those who progress in this line of work over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,640
    25th
    $26,320
    50th (median)
    $27,280
    75th
    $28,400
    90th
    $34,500

    Lakeland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $63,644 2023 • Census ACS
    Fast Food and Counter Workers salary vs area income 43% Median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary is 57% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Lakeland, FL is $13.11, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.65 or more per hour.

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

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Lakeland, FL is 10.5% 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 Lakeland?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $25,640 per year in Lakeland, FL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,320.