Fast Food Worker Salary in Tempe, AZ
Fast Food Workers in Tempe, AZ, in 2026, earn approximately $19.72 per hour, which amounts to about $788.80 per week, $3,418.13 per month, and $41,017.60 per year.
The job market for Fast Food Workers in Tempe is growing positively at around 5% per year, indicating an expanding demand and promising opportunities within the fast food industry in this region.
How Much Does a Fast Food Worker Make in Tempe, AZ?
Salaries for Fast Food Workers in Tempe vary depending on experience, employer, and specific job duties. Below is an overview of potential earnings at different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.70 | $588.00 | $2,538.00 | $30,456.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.72 | $788.80 | $3,418.13 | $41,017.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $29.81 | $1,192.40 | $5,155.47 | $61,979.20 |
Do Fast Food Workers in Tempe Earn Tips?
Fast Food Workers generally do not earn tips as their interaction with customers typically does not involve tipping. Their earnings rely primarily on hourly wages rather than gratuities.
Fast Food Worker Salary in Tempe vs. National Average
Nationally, Fast Food Workers earn an average of around $17.90 per hour, translating to approximately $37,232 per year.
When compared, Fast Food Workers in Tempe earn a higher wage of about $19.72 per hour and $41,017.60 annually, reflecting the local market demand and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Tempe for Fast Food Workers
Nearby regions also offer competitive pay rates for Fast Food Workers:
- Downtown Tempe: $20.50 per hour
- South Tempe: $21.00 per hour
Fast Food Workers in South Tempe can expect to earn slightly more compared to other neighborhood locations, providing opportunities for increased income close to Tempe.
What Influences a Fast Food Worker’s Salary in Tempe?
Several factors impact how much a Fast Food Worker can earn in Tempe:
- Experience: More experienced workers often command higher wages due to efficiency and knowledge of food preparation.
- Skills: Additional skills such as cashier operation, food safety knowledge, and customer service abilities can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Fast Food Workers employed by national chains or busier locations sometimes receive higher pay compared to smaller or local quick-service restaurants.
- Work Hours: Shifts during peak hours, weekends, or holidays might earn shift differentials adding to overall pay.
How To Become a Fast Food Worker in Tempe
Entering the role of a Fast Food Worker in Tempe can be straightforward but gaining credentials will improve job prospects:
- Culinary and hospitality training: Programs such as the Culinary Arts Program at Mesa Community College provide broad foundational skills relevant to food service workers.
- Hospitality Management Education: The Hospitality Management Program at Arizona State University offers useful insights for workers aiming for supervisory positions.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining a Food Handler's Card, mandatory in Arizona, assures employers of your knowledge in food safety practices.
- ServSafe Certification: This nationally recognized credential educates workers about safe food handling and sanitation.
Top Employers Hiring Fast Food Workers in Tempe
Several well-known companies actively hire Fast Food Workers in Tempe, including:
- KFC
- Chipotle
- Starbucks
Establishments That Fast Food Workers in Tempe Work At
Fast Food Workers typically find opportunities in various types of establishments:
- Quick-service restaurants: These are the primary employers, offering fast-paced environments with standardized menus and procedures.
- Fast casual eateries: These offer a mix of speed and quality food service, often paying slightly more than typical fast food outlets.
- Cafes and coffee shops: Workers in these venues may have additional duties like beverage preparation and customer interaction.
- Chain franchises: These can provide structured pay scales, employee benefits, and advancement paths.
Salary variations depend on the establishment’s size, customer base, and operational standards.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Tempe for Fast Food Workers
If you are interested in related roles within the hospitality and food service sector, you might consider exploring opportunities such as:
These include Cashier, Fry Cook, and Prep Cook, each offering different scopes of work and salary ranges within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Fast Food Workers in Tempe
Fast Food Workers should familiarize themselves with relevant regulations and tax obligations specific to Arizona:
- Information about health and safety regulations can be found at the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- Employment and labor resources are available at the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
- For federal tax obligations, workers can consult the Internal Revenue Service.