Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Roanoke, VA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Roanoke, VA

Median annual salary $26,990 -11.5% vs national
Median hourly $12.97
10th percentile $24,960
90th percentile $33,680
Employed locally 3,430
National median $30,480

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
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Roanoke, VA
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    In Roanoke, VA, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $26,990, which is lower than the national median for this occupation at $30,480. This salary reflects an hourly wage of approximately $12.97. When compared to the local area's median household income of $67,447, it becomes evident that fast food and counter workers typically earn significantly less than the average household in Roanoke. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by individuals in this occupation concerning meeting the cost of living standards prevalent in their locale.

    Entry-level fast food and counter workers tend to start at salaries near or below the 10th percentile, which is $24,960 annually, while more experienced workers can earn up to the 90th percentile, reaching approximately $33,680 per year. The difference between entry-level and experienced positions is primarily driven by factors such as tenure, performance, and additional responsibilities undertaken over time. Experienced workers often have a higher earning potential due to their accumulated skills, familiarity with operations, and the ability to handle more complex tasks or supervisory roles, all of which contribute to their increased compensation compared to those just beginning in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,960
    25th
    $26,280
    50th (median)
    $26,990
    75th
    $29,100
    90th
    $33,680

    Roanoke economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $67,447 2023 • Census ACS
    Fast Food and Counter Workers salary vs area income 40% Median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary is 60% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Roanoke, VA is $12.97, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.79 or more per hour.

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

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Roanoke, VA is 11.5% 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 Roanoke?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $24,960 per year in Roanoke, VA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,280.