Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Topeka, KS

In Topeka, Kansas, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $27,300, which translates to a median hourly wage of $13.13. This figure is below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,480 annually. When compared to the area's median household income of $68,160, it becomes evident that earnings for fast food and counter workers represent approximately 40% of what an average local household earns. This discrepancy highlights the significant income gap between fast-food workers and typical households in Topeka, reflecting broader economic challenges faced by entry-level employees in low-wage industries.

The salary spectrum for fast food and counter workers in Topeka shows a wide range from $22,030 at the 10th percentile to $34,590 at the 90th percentile. Entry-level workers earning around the 10th percentile make approximately $13.32 per hour, while more experienced employees who reach the 75th percentile earn close to $13.86 hourly. The disparity in earnings between entry-level and seasoned workers is primarily driven by experience, tenure, skill development, and occasionally, geographic location within Topeka. As workers gain experience and potentially take on additional responsibilities or shifts, their income tends to increase, aligning closer with the higher percentile earnings observed within the profession.