Fast Food Worker Salary in Newark, NJ

Fast Food Workers in Newark, NJ, in 2025, earn approximately $16.68 per hour, which translates to about $667.20 per week, $2,891.20 per month, and $34,694.40 per year.

The demand for Fast Food Workers in Newark is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook with increasing opportunities in this fast-paced service sector within the city.

How Much Does a Fast Food Worker Make in Newark, NJ?

Fast Food Worker salaries in Newark, NJ, can vary depending on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of earnings for entry-level, mid-level, and top-earning Fast Food Workers in this city.

Experience level	Hourly pay	Weekly pay	Monthly pay	Yearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)	$14.53	$581.20	$2,515.47	$30,142.40
Mid-level (average)	$17.68	$707.20	$3,052.53	$36,774.40
Top earners (90th percentile)	$22.11	$884.40	$3,824.27	$46,017.60

Do Fast Food Workers in Newark Earn Tips?

Fast Food Workers generally do not earn tips since their roles focus on quick service and food preparation rather than table service. Most of their income comes from wages or hourly pay without additional tip income.

Fast Food Worker Salary in Newark vs. National Average

Nationally, Fast Food Workers earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.

Compared to the national average, Fast Food Workers in Newark earn more, with an average hourly wage of $16.68 and annual pay around $34,694.40.

This difference may reflect the cost of living in Newark and the labor market demand in this urban area.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Newark for Fast Food Workers

Nearby areas offer slightly higher pay rates for Fast Food Workers, including:

Downtown Newark: $17.50 per hour
Ironbound District: $18.00 per hour

These neighborhoods tend to have higher wages due to dense commercial activity and greater demand for fast food services.

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 Newark?

Several factors influence how much a Fast Food Worker can earn in Newark, including:

Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Fast Food Workers who can handle multiple tasks efficiently may receive higher pay.
Type of Establishment: Large chains or high-volume outlets often offer better wages than small independent fast food shops.
Shift Timing: Working late-night or weekend shifts might come with shift differentials increasing overall pay.
Location: Urban centers or high-traffic areas like Downtown Newark might pay more due to higher business volumes.
Additional Responsibilities: Roles involving supervisory duties or cash handling often command higher salaries.

How To Become a Fast Food Worker in Newark

Starting a career as a Fast Food Worker in Newark is accessible with few formal requirements, but candidates can improve their prospects through:

Completing culinary or food service training: Programs such as the Essex County College Culinary Arts Program provide foundational skills valuable for food industry jobs.
High school vocational programs: The Newark Vocational High School Culinary Program offers hands-on training and industry certifications at an early stage.
Obtaining food safety certifications: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and New Jersey Food Manager Certification enhance employability and readiness for supervisory tasks.
Gaining work experience: Entry-level positions or internships in local fast food restaurants can build practical skills and familiarity with the fast food environment.

Top Employers Hiring Fast Food Workers in Newark

Many popular national chains recruit Fast Food Workers in Newark, including:

McDonald's
Wendy's
KFC
Burger King
Subway

Establishments That Fast Food Workers in Newark Work At

Fast Food Workers typically find employment in:

Fast Food Chains: Large brand-name chains often offer structured wages and opportunities for advancement.
Casual Quick-Service Restaurants: These may provide slightly different pay scales based on menu complexity and volume.
Independent Fast Food Outlets: Smaller operations might pay less but offer flexible hours or localized tips.
Food Courts and Shopping Mall Eateries: Positions here often come with high customer turnover and varying shift hours.

The type of establishment can significantly affect earnings and benefits, with larger franchises typically offering better pay and structured growth paths.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Newark for Fast Food Workers

If you are interested in exploring careers related to Fast Food Work, consider these roles in Newark that share similar skills and environment:

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

These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Busser, which involve food preparation, kitchen support, and customer service.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Fast Food Workers in Newark

Fast Food Workers in Newark should be knowledgeable about local and federal labor laws to ensure fair treatment and compliance.

Visit the Federal website for the U.S. Department of Labor for nationwide labor standards and regulations.
Consult the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for state-specific employment laws and worker rights.
Refer to the City of Newark official site for local ordinances and employment-related services.