Fast Food Worker Salary in Cleveland, OH

Fast Food Workers in Cleveland, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $12.47 per hour, which translates to about $498.80 per week, $2,161.47 per month, and $25,937.60 per year.

The demand for Fast Food Workers in Cleveland is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing job opportunities in the fast food sector in the area.

How Much Does a Fast Food Worker Make in Cleveland, OH?

The salary of a Fast Food Worker in Cleveland varies based on experience and specific employer, but here is a general overview across different experience levels.

Experience level	Hourly pay	Weekly pay	Monthly pay	Yearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)	$8.31	$332.40	$1,434.00	$17,248.80
Mid-level (average)	$12.47	$498.80	$2,161.47	$25,937.60
Top earners (90th percentile)	$18.72	$748.80	$3,238.40	$38,937.60

Do Fast Food Workers in Cleveland Earn Tips?

Fast Food Workers generally do not earn tips since their role primarily involves food preparation and customer service in a fast-paced setting without direct tipping interaction. Their income mostly comes from hourly wages rather than tips.

Fast Food Worker Salary in Cleveland vs. National Average

Nationally, Fast Food Workers earn an average of about $13.27 per hour, translating to roughly $27,601.60 per year.

Compared to the national average, Fast Food Workers in Cleveland earn slightly less at approximately $12.47 per hour and $25,937.60 annually. This difference may reflect local economic factors and cost of living.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Cleveland for Fast Food Workers

Nearby areas to Cleveland offer varying pay rates for Fast Food Workers:

Downtown Cleveland: $13.50 per hour
University Circle: $14.00 per hour

Fast Food Workers in these districts could expect modestly higher wages compared to Cleveland's average.

High-Paying Cities for Fast Food Workers

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Fast Food Worker. You can see the average annual wage for a Fast Food Worker in each of these cities.

City	Avg Salary	Avg Hourly Wage
Chicago, IL	$32,790	$15.77
Los Angeles, CA	$36,420	$17.51
Miami, FL	$29,140	$13.81
NYC, NY	$35,050	$16.85

What Influences a Fast Food Worker’s Salary in Cleveland?

Several key factors influence how much a Fast Food Worker in Cleveland can earn:

Experience and Skill Level: Workers with more experience or special skills such as food preparation techniques might earn higher wages.
Type of Establishment: Fast Food Workers in well-known national chains may receive different pay compared to local fast food spots.
Shift Timing: Night or weekend shifts might include shift differentials that could increase the hourly wage.
Location: Fast Food Workers in certain neighborhoods or busier areas like Downtown Cleveland often earn more due to increased demand.
Certifications: Food safety or handling certifications can enhance job prospects and pay scale.

How To Become a Fast Food Worker in Cleveland

Becoming a Fast Food Worker in Cleveland typically involves several straightforward steps, alongside options for enhancing career prospects:

Basic Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred but not always required.
Training and Certifications: Programs such as the Cuyahoga Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Cleveland Job Corps Center Culinary Arts Program offer valuable hands-on experience and relevant skills.
Food Safety Certification: Credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification or the Ohio Food Service Manager Certification support compliance with safety standards and may improve employment chances.
On-the-Job Training: Most Fast Food Workers are trained on site, gaining practical experience and learning company-specific procedures.

Top Employers Hiring Fast Food Workers in Cleveland

Some of the biggest fast food chains hiring Fast Food Workers in Cleveland include:

McDonald's
Wendy's
Burger King

Establishments That Fast Food Workers in Cleveland Work At

Fast Food Workers typically find jobs at various food service establishments such as:

Fast Food Chains: These provide structured roles with set wages and benefits. Salaries here are generally standardized.
Fast Casual Restaurants: These may pay slightly higher wages due to offering fresher or more complex menu items.
Cafeterias and Food Courts: Often offer entry-level positions; wages can vary widely based on location and volume.
Snack Bars or Concession Stands: These smaller outlets may pay less but offer flexible shifts.

The type of establishment can affect salary with chain restaurants often having clearer wage structures than independent eateries.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Cleveland for Fast Food Workers

If you are interested in roles related to Fast Food Worker, here are several similar hospitality jobs that might appeal to you:

Job Title	Avg Salary
Cook	$36,060
Fry Cook	$33,819

These include positions such as Cashier, Fry Cook, and Cook, which are closely related within the fast food and restaurant industry, often involving similar skill sets and career paths.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Fast Food Workers in Cleveland

Fast Food Workers should be aware of relevant labor laws and tax requirements that impact their employment conditions and earnings.

Visit the Federal Department of Labor website for detailed information on labor laws, minimum wage, and employment standards.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides resources on state-specific labor regulations, training, and employment assistance.
The City of Cleveland official website offers local information on employment resources and workplace regulations.