How Much Does a Fast-Food Worker Make in the United States?
The average base salary for a Fast-Food Worker in the United States is a month, or $31,110 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The average hourly wage for a Fast-Food Worker is $14.48.
Average Fast-Food Worker Base Salary:
Fast-food workers typically do not receive tips, unlike in sit-down restaurants where 92% of individuals always or often leave a tip; however, only 12% do so at fast-food establishments with no servers.
[Source: Pew Research]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How Much Does a Fast-Food Worker Make in the United States?
Some Fast-Food Workers may earn as little as $22,190 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while others might earn as much as $36,880 per year, positioning them at the 90th percentile of all Fast-Food-Workers earners.
[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Simply put, if you are in the 90th percentile, you earn more than 90% of all the Fast-Food Workers in the United States. A salary of $36,880 would classify you among the top 10% of earners in this profession.
On the flip side, being in the 10th percentile means that you earn less than 90% of all Fast-Food Workers. Therefore, with an income of $22,190, you would fall within the bottom 10% of earners among Fast-Food Workers.
Factors That Affect Average Fast-Food Worker Salary
Several factors can influence the average salary of Fast-Food Workers, including:
- Location: Wages can vary significantly depending on the region, state or city due to differences in cost of living, minimum wage laws and local economic conditions.
- Experience: More experienced Fast-Food Workers may command higher salaries, especially if they have specialized skills or knowledge that make them more valuable to employers, such as inventory management or team leadership.
- Employer: Different fast-food chains may offer different wage structures and benefits, impacting the average salary for workers. Larger chains or franchises may offer higher wages than smaller, independent establishments.
- Position: Within the fast-food industry, salaries can vary based on the specific position. For example, managers or supervisors may earn higher salaries than entry-level positions.
- Shifts and hours: Working evening, weekend or holiday shifts may come with premium pay rates.
- Economic factors: Overall economic conditions, such as inflation rates and unemployment levels, can impact wage trends in the fast-food industry.
- Education and training: Fast-food Workers with additional education or training, such as culinary certifications or food safety courses, may be eligible for higher salaries.
Explore the chart below to discover industries with the highest levels of employment for Fast-Food Workers in the U.S.
[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Annual Mean Wage of Fast-Food Workers by State
Browse the map below to get a better insight into Fast-Food Workers’ earnings across all states.
[Source: BLS]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
Two of the highest-paying states for Fast-Food Workers are Washington and California.
[Source: BLS]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
Fast-Food Worker Salary in Major US Cities
Among the following four major U.S. cities, Los Angeles is the top-paying one for Fast-Food Workers followed by New York, Chicago and Miami.
Annual mean wage
$29,140
# of employees
52,550
Annual mean wage
$35,050
# of employees
183,050
Annual mean wage
$32,790
# of employees
94,230
Annual mean wage
$36,420
# of employees
153,080
[Source: BLS]
High-Paying Cities for Fast-Food Workers
| City | Avg Salary | Avg Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 36,420 | 17.51 |
| NYC, NY | 35,050 | 16.85 |
| Chicago, IL | 32,790 | 15.77 |
| Miami, FL | 29,140 | 13.81 |
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Fast Food Worker salaries across the United States, organized by state.
This information helps Fast-Food Workers understand how geographic factors and economic conditions like labor markets, inflation and government policies impact nationwide compensation levels.
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $24,420 |
| Alaska | $31,020 |
| Arizona | $32,260 |
| Arkansas | $26,850 |
| California | $36,670 |
| Colorado | $34,480 |
| Connecticut | $33,040 |
| Delaware | $29,970 |
| Florida | $28,140 |
| Georgia | $25,930 |
| Hawaii | $30,990 |
| Idaho | $27,050 |
| Illinois | $32,250 |
| Indiana | $27,360 |
| Iowa | $27,950 |
| Kansas | $25,860 |
| Kentucky | $25,070 |
| Louisiana | $24,620 |
| Maine | $33,200 |
| Maryland | $31,640 |
| Massachusetts | $35,490 |
| Michigan | $28,910 |
| Minnesota | $31,720 |
| Mississippi | $22,240 |
| Missouri | $29,690 |
| Montana | $27,900 |
| Nebraska | $28,190 |
| Nevada | $29,330 |
| New Hampshire | $29,780 |
| New Jersey | $32,560 |
| New Mexico | $28,000 |
| New York | $34,930 |
| North Carolina | $27,710 |
| North Dakota | $29,430 |
| Ohio | $27,520 |
| Oklahoma | $24,220 |
| Oregon | $33,170 |
| Pennsylvania | $27,450 |
| Rhode Island | $31,340 |
| South Carolina | $26,000 |
| South Dakota | $29,120 |
| Tennessee | $27,360 |
| Texas | $25,960 |
| Utah | $28,530 |
| Vermont | $34,150 |
| Virginia | $30,250 |
| Washington | $37,300 |
| West Virginia | $27,180 |
| Wisconsin | $27,560 |
| Wyoming | $27,180 |
| District of Columbia | $39,040 |
Non-Monetary Benefits and Perks for Fast-Food Workers
Non-monetary benefits and perks for fast-food workers may include:
Employee discounts
Employee discounts at fast-food establishments typically involve offering reduced prices on food and beverages for employees and sometimes their immediate family members.
This perk encourages loyalty among staff members and provides additional value beyond their wages.
This can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher morale and improved employee retention rates.
Flexible schedules
Flexible scheduling in the fast-food industry involves offering employees the ability to customize their work hours to accommodate personal commitments, such as attending school, caring for children or working other jobs.
This perk recognizes that employees have other responsibilities outside of work and seeks to provide them with the flexibility they need to balance their work and personal lives.
Meal allowances
Meal allowances in the fast-food industry typically involve providing employees with free or discounted meals during their shifts.
This benefit recognizes that employees may not always have the time or resources to bring or buy their own meals to work.
Paid time off
Paid time off (PTO) is a crucial non-monetary benefit in the fast-food industry, including paid vacation days and sick leave, which enable employees to take time off without sacrificing their income.
According to Forbes, only 43% of hospitality workers have access to paid time off.
[Source: Forbes]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Paid vacation days provide employees with the opportunity to take time off for rest, relaxation and personal pursuits, allowing them to recharge and return to work refreshed and rejuvenated.
This contributes to higher morale, increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout among staff members.
Sick leave is essential for employees who need to take time off due to illness or injury without worrying about losing income.
Healthcare benefits
Healthcare benefits in the fast-food industry typically include access to health insurance plans that cover medical, dental and vision expenses, helping employees maintain their health and well-being.
- Medical coverage ensures that employees have access to healthcare services such as doctor visits, hospital stays prescription medications and preventive care.
- Dental benefits typically cover routine dental check-ups, cleanings and procedures, as well as more extensive treatments such as fillings, extractions and orthodontics.
- Vision coverage includes eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses and corrective procedures such as LASIK surgery.
Career development
Career development in the fast-food industry encompasses various initiatives aimed at supporting employee growth and advancement within the company.
This includes training programs, workshops and opportunities for career progression that enable employees to develop new skills and expand their knowledge.
Recognition programs
Recognition programs in the fast-food industry are structured initiatives designed to acknowledge and reward employees for their outstanding performance, contributions and achievements.
This may include:
- Employee of the month: Recognizing one or more employees each month for their exceptional performance, dedication and contributions to the team. This acknowledgment may come with a certificate, plaque or other tangible reward.
- Performance-based awards: Providing monetary bonuses, gift cards or other incentives to employees who consistently exceed performance expectations or achieve specific goals.
- Service milestones: Celebrating employees’ length of service with the company by acknowledging milestone anniversaries, such as one year or five years. This may involve personalized gifts or special events to honor long-serving employees.
- Team celebrations: Organizing team-building activities, outings or special events to celebrate achievements, milestones or successful completion of projects.
Wellness programs
Wellness programs in the fast-food industry encompass a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of employees.
These might include:
- Gym memberships
- Mental Health Support
- Health Screenings
Top 5 Skills Needed for Fast-Food Workers
The top five skills needed for fast-food workers typically include:
- Customer service: Fast-food Workers are often the face of the establishment, interacting directly with customers. Exceptional customer service involves being welcoming, courteous and attentive to customers’ needs.
- Communication: Effective communication is key to ensuring smooth operations in a fast-food environment. Workers need to communicate clearly and concisely with customers to understand their orders and provide accurate information about menu items, pricing and promotions.
- Teamwork: Fast-food establishments rely on teamwork to maintain efficiency and deliver timely service. Workers must collaborate with their colleagues to fulfill orders, prepare food, manage inventory and keep the dining area clean and organized.
- Attention to detail: Attention to detail is critical to maintaining quality standards and ensuring customer satisfaction. Fast-food Workers need to adhere to food safety guidelines, follow proper hygiene practices and maintain cleanliness throughout the establishment to create a safe and inviting atmosphere.
- Adaptability: The fast-food industry is known for its ever-changing nature, requiring workers to be adaptable and flexible in their roles. Workers must be able to multitask and switch between various responsibilities, such as taking orders at the register, preparing food in the kitchen, assembling orders for takeout or delivery and cleaning and restocking supplies.
Education Requirements for Fast-Food Workers
According to a survey conducted by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) 54% of respondents indicated that Fast-Food Workers require less than a high school diploma to perform a job in this occupation.
Explore the pie chart below to get a better insight into education requirements for Fas-Food Workers.
[Source: O*NET]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
How Much Do Similar Careers to a Cook Get Paid?
Fast-Food Workers are among the lowest-paid positions in the restaurant industry. Consequently, they earn less than Prep Cooks and Bussers but slightly more than Food Runners.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Food Runner | |
| Prep Cook | |
| Busser |
Fast-Food Worker Career Progression
With dedication, experience and hard work, Fast-Food Workers can pave the way to better-paid positions within the industry.
They may advance to some of the kitchen roles, such as Cook or Chef or climb the ladder to managerial positions like Assistant Restaurant Manager or Food Service Manager.
Cook
Chef
Food Service Manager
Head Chef
Line Cook
Chef
Head Chef
Executive Chef
Labor Laws and Taxes for Fast-Food Workers
As a Fast-Food Worker, knowing your state’s minimum wage, overtime pay and leave policies could be beneficial.
Check out the guides below or view more labor laws:
- New York Labor Law Guide
- Illinois Labor Law Guide
- California Labor Law Guide
- Florida Labor Law Guide
To easily calculate federal, state and local taxes in your state, use our free Paycheck Calculator.
Fast-Food Worker Salary FAQs
To secure a higher salary as a Fast-Food Worker, consider the following strategies:
- Gain experience: The more experience you gain in the fast-food industry, the more valuable you become to employers.
- Acquire specialized skills: Acquiring additional skills, such as proficiency in food preparation techniques, customer service management or inventory control, can make you a more desirable candidate for promotions or higher-paying roles within the fast-food establishment.
- Seek promotions: Take the initiative to apply for promotions or advancement opportunities within the company. Express your interest in taking on more responsibility and showcase your dedication and reliability to management.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities: Showcase your leadership skills by taking on leadership roles, such as shift supervisor or team leader. Demonstrating your ability to lead and motivate a team can make you a strong candidate for managerial positions with higher salaries.
- Consider further education or training: Consider pursuing further education or training related to the fast-food industry, such as obtaining certifications in food safety or hospitality management. Additional qualifications can enhance your value as an employee and increase your earning potential.
- Negotiate salary: When applying for new positions or negotiating salary increases, be prepared to advocate for yourself and highlight your contributions to the company. Research industry standards for salaries and be prepared to negotiate based on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the organization.
- Explore opportunities with higher-paying companies: If your current employer is not offering competitive wages, consider exploring opportunities with other fast-food establishments or restaurant chains that offer higher salaries or better benefits packages.
Whether Fast-Food Workers are paid for overtime depends on various factors, including their employment status, the labor laws in their jurisdiction and the employer’s policies.
Here are the overtime policies based on the employment type:
- Hourly employees: Fast-Food Workers who are classified as hourly employees are typically entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond a certain threshold set by labor laws (usually 40 hours per week). Overtime pay is typically set at one and a half times the regular hourly rate, although it varies from state to state.
- Salaried employees: Most salaried Fast-Food Workers are entitled to overtime pay unless they are exempt by meeting certain criteria, such as performing managerial duties or earning above a certain salary threshold.
- Unionized employees: Fast-Food Workers who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by a labor union may have specific provisions regarding overtime pay outlined in their contract. These provisions may include higher overtime rates or additional protections for overtime work.
Based on the information provided from McDonald’s official site, these are the pay ranges for various positions:
- Assistant Manager: $18.00 to $22.00 per hour
- Certified Shift Manager: Up to $18.00 per hour
- Shift Leader: Starting at $15.00 per hour
- Closing Crew: $13.00 per hour, plus an additional $2.00 per hour for dedicated closing shifts
- Line Cook / Prep Cook: $22,880.00 to $50,000.00 per year
It’s important to note that actual pay rates may vary based on factors such as location, experience and individual negotiations.
