Fast Food Industry Statistics & Trends Every Hospitality Professional Should Know

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. fast food market is expected to reach $330.56 billion by 2025 and $436.07 billion by 2029.
There are around 771,885 people currently working in the fast food industry.
Employment in this industry is projected to increase by 1.48% over the next decade.
The average American spends around $148 monthly on fast food.
Men tend to consume fast food more regularly than women, with 38% of men and 35.4% of women eating fast food on any given day.
Drive-thru orders account for approximately 43% of U.S. fast-food sales, totaling close to $140 billion each year.
Many U.S. fast food and QSR chains are cutting their menu items by 20–30% to speed up service and enhance food quality.
About 68% of fast food chains are adopting labor-focused technologies such as AI and robotics, helping reduce costs by up to 50%.

This article presents the latest statistics and trends shaping the fast food industry in the United States — from automation and staffing to customer preferences and sales growth.

Whether you're a Restaurant Manager, owner or industry professional, these insights provide a clear view of where fast food is headed next.

Industry Performance & Market Outlook

The U.S. fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) market is projected to grow from $311.54 billion in 2024 to $330.56 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.

Looking ahead, the market could expand to $436.07 billion by 2029, accelerating to a 7.2% CAGR.

This growth is fueled by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing demand for convenience and innovative menu offerings.

Recent data shows there are over 207,800 fast food restaurants operating across the U.S. — a figure expected to rise as major chains pursue aggressive expansion strategies.

McDonald's, for instance, plans to open 900 new locations across the U.S. by 2027, accompanied by a hiring initiative to onboard up to 375,000 restaurant workers during the summer of 2025.

Employment Landscape and Challenges

Understanding employment patterns and labor issues is key to understanding this industry’s workforce.

Total employment: The U.S. fast food industry currently has approximately 771,885 people employed. (Source)
Gender distribution: Among those working in the fast food industry, 64.8% are women and 35.2% are men.
Age distribution: The majority of Fast-Food Workers (68.52%) are aged 16 to 24.
Average base pay: Fast-Food Workers in the U.S. typically earn $14.47 per hour or $2,509 a month.
Salary growth: The current pay for Fast-Food Workers is around 33.7% higher than what it was five years ago.
Highest-paying regions: Those working in fast food places and QSRs in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California typically earn the highest wages.
Job growth: Employment in this industry is forecasted to grow 1.48% over the next 10 years.
Labor challenges: Over 92% of QSR operators reported increased labor costs in the past year, with 89% expecting further increases in the next 12 months. (Source)

Fast food consumption patterns vary widely across age, gender and lifestyle, driven by evolving preferences and habits that influence how and when people choose to eat fast food.

Top age group: Adults from 20 to 39 years old are the most frequent consumers of fast food in the U.S. About 44.9% of individuals in this age group consumed fast food on any given day in 2024. (Source)
Gender trends: Men are more likely than women to consume fast food regularly. Approximately 38% of men and 35.4% of women ate fast food on a given day.
Meal timing: Lunch is the most common time for fast food consumption, with 43.7% of adults saying they eat it then. Dinner follows at 42%, while breakfast and snacks account for 22.7% and 22.6%, respectively.
Monthly spending: On average, Americans spend around $148 on fast food each month. (Source)
Drive-thru popularity: Approximately 43% of U.S. fast-food orders are placed at drive-thrus, totaling around $140 billion annually. (Source)
Mobile ordering popularity: Approximately 65% of QSR visitors have used an order-ahead app, including nearly 90% of those aged 18 to 24. (Source)
Health-conscious choices: Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier fast food options. Chains are responding by offering lower-calorie menu alternatives, fresh, whole-food ingredients and plant-based options.
Plant-based menu growth: The global vegan fast food market is projected to grow from $24.11 billion in 2023 to $70.42 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 11.31% during the projected period. (Source)
Value and experience: Promotional deals and loyalty programs significantly influence dining decisions, with 80% of consumers utilizing offers like “Buy One, Get One Free.” (Source)
Menu adjustments: Many U.S.-based QSR chains are reducing their menu items by 20–30% to speed up service and improve quality.

Innovation & Technology Integration

Technology is constantly reshaping fast food by solving operational challenges and enhancing customer experience with automation and digital innovations.

Technology and staffing: About 68% of QSR operators are adopting labor-focused technologies. AI and robotics are helping reduce costs by as much as 50% by boosting efficiency, improving order accuracy and easing the impact of labor shortages. (Source)
Self-order kiosks: These have been adopted in over 30% of U.S. fast food locations and are expected to increase to 50% by 2026.
Digital loyalty programs: Over 70% of QSR customers participate in digital loyalty programs of some of the restaurants they frequent. (Source)
Mobile engagement: Around 60% of these customers engage with loyalty programs through mobile apps. (Source)
Advanced AI and automation: Beyond order taking, AI is being used to predict customer traffic and manage inventory more efficiently. In the kitchen, automation helps speed up operations. (Source)
Robotic workforce: More brands have been testing robotic employees, which could cut costs and save time in the future. Chains like CaliBurger and White Castle deploy robotic fryers and burger-flipping machines, with plans for wider rollout in the next three to five years.

Conclusion

The future of fast food in the U.S. is (and will be) shaped by technological advances, demographic changes and evolving consumer expectations.

While challenges like labor shortages and rising costs remain, the industry is responding with automation, digital tools and a stronger focus on convenience. Quick-service restaurants that adapt to these changes will be best positioned to grow in the years ahead.

At OysterLink, we help hospitality employers find and connect with the talent they need to stay competitive and succeed in tomorrow’s fast-paced market.