Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in New Orleans, LA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New Orleans-Metairie, LA

Median annual salary $26,710 -12.4% vs national
Median hourly $12.84
10th percentile $19,520
90th percentile $37,640
Employed locally 8,090
National median $30,480

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
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New Orleans, LA
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    In New Orleans, LA, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn a median annual salary of $26,710, which equates to approximately $12.84 per hour. This is notably lower than the national median salary for this occupation, which stands at $30,480. When compared to local household income in New Orleans, where the median is $62,271, it becomes evident that these workers' earnings are substantially below the area's typical household earnings. Given the local unemployment rate of 4.40%, individuals in this occupation may find themselves facing challenges in achieving a standard of living comparable to that of the average household.

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans typically earn closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, with incomes around the 10th percentile at $19,520 annually. In contrast, experienced workers who have advanced further up their career ladder might see earnings near or exceeding the 75th percentile mark of $34,520 per year, with top earners reaching salaries as high as $37,640 (90th percentile). The disparity in earnings between entry-level and experienced employees can be attributed to several factors including tenure, performance, ability to handle more complex tasks, and obtaining supervisory roles. Additionally, the demand for skilled workers who can manage operations effectively and provide enhanced customer service may also contribute to higher wages for those with greater experience or additional responsibilities within their role.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $19,520
    25th
    $23,370
    50th (median)
    $26,710
    75th
    $34,520
    90th
    $37,640

    New Orleans economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $62,271 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 New Orleans?

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in New Orleans, LA is $12.84, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.84 or more per hour.

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

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in New Orleans, LA is 12.4% 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 New Orleans?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $19,520 per year in New Orleans, LA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,370.