Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Southwest Colorado

In Southwest Colorado, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $31,140, which translates to a median hourly wage of $14.97. This is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,480 annually. When compared to local household income data, these earnings represent a modest share, as many households in the region rely on multiple sources of income or have more than one individual employed to meet their financial needs. The 10th percentile salary is recorded at $30,090 while the 25th percentile stands at $30,410, indicating that the lowest earners make around $600 less annually than those at the median. Conversely, workers in the 75th and 90th percentiles earn significantly more, with salaries of $35,880 and $41,510 respectively.

For entry-level fast food and counter workers in Southwest Colorado, wages typically start near or slightly below the 10th percentile mark, reflecting a starting annual salary around $30,090. As these workers gain experience, they often see increases that propel them into higher percentiles, moving towards the median and beyond depending on factors such as tenure, skill level, and performance. The difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is primarily driven by accumulated skills, increased efficiency, and responsibilities over time. Additionally, those who rise to supervisory roles or achieve consistent high-performance evaluations are likely to see further salary increases, aligning with the higher end of the earning spectrum at $41,510 for top earners within this occupation.