Restaurants Where Cashiers Make the Most Money at in Des Moines, IA: Key Takeaways
- The average hourly wage for Cashiers in Des Moines is around $13.28, with the highest paying restaurants offering up to $14.90 per hour.
- Tips for Cashiers in Des Moines typically range from $0 to $5 per hour, depending on the restaurant type and customer traffic.
- Raising Cane's pays the highest base wage among these restaurants, followed closely by McDonald's and Burger King.
The role of a Cashier in Des Moines, IA offers varied pay depending on the restaurant, with tip potential adding to earnings in some establishments.
To improve your job applications and understand what employers are looking for, check out this guide on posting jobs for tipped employees.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of which restaurants pay the most for Cashiers in Des Moines, including salary insights and tipping trends.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Cashiers in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines hosts a variety of restaurants where Cashiers can earn competitive wages, especially in well-known fast food and casual dining chains.
If you're interested in learning about the best practices for hiring a cashier, this spotlight offers useful insights for employers.
Below is a list of some of the top-paying establishments for Cashier positions in the city:
1. Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's is famous for its chicken fingers and a focused menu that emphasizes quality and speed. It offers one of the highest hourly pay rates for Cashiers in Des Moines at approximately $14.90.
2. McDonald's
McDonald's is a global fast-food giant known for its iconic menu and consistent service. In Des Moines, Cashiers at McDonald's earn an estimated $14 per hour, reflecting the chain's competitive pay scale.
3. Burger King
Burger King, known for its flame-grilled burgers and Whopper sandwiches, pays Cashiers around $14 per hour in Des Moines, aligning with industry standards for fast food cashiers in the area.
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings offers a lively sports bar atmosphere and a menu rich in wings and craft beers. Cashiers here make about $12.52 per hour, with added tips possible during busy game nights.
5. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates community services including dining facilities. Cashiers working within this organization typically earn around $12 per hour, reflecting its non-profit status.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Cashier Earnings in Des Moines, IA
Cashier salaries in Des Moines can vary substantially depending on the type of restaurant and the establishment's scale.
Fast food chains and casual dining spots typically offer similar hourly wages, but some upscale venues or restaurants in busy commercial areas might offer higher base pay and the potential for tips.
- Casual and Fast Food Restaurants: These venues generally pay between $12 to $14 per hour, with minimal tipping involved.
- Upscale Casual Dining: Cashiers may receive slightly higher base wages and occasional tips, potentially increasing hourly income by $3-$5.
- Non-Profit and Community Organizations: Typically offer lower base pay around $12 per hour, often without tips.
How To Find a High Paying Cashier Job in Des Moines, IA
Finding a high-paying Cashier job requires strategy and preparation. Some tips include:
Craft a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight your customer service skills, reliability, and any previous cashier or retail experience to stand out among applicants.
Explore effective tips to write a cover letter that gets attention from hiring managers.
Prepare for Interviews
Practice common interview questions emphasizing communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle busy environments.
Prepare by reviewing typical cashier interview questions to increase your confidence during interviews.
Target Reputable Establishments
Apply to well-known restaurant chains and growing local businesses that offer competitive pay and growth opportunities.
Network and Leverage Referrals
Use connections within the hospitality industry or local community to uncover job leads and recommendations.
What’s the Outlook for Cashier Jobs in Des Moines, IA in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Cashiers in Des Moines is expected to remain steady through 2025 and beyond, driven by consistent growth in retail and food service sectors.
As the city’s economy expands, new restaurants and food establishments are likely to open, providing more job opportunities for Cashiers.
Adoption of technology such as self-service kiosks may influence cashier roles, emphasizing the need for adaptability and additional skills.
Employers looking to understand effective restaurant staff hiring strategies can benefit from this spotlight.
Is a Cashier’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Des Moines, IA?
With an average hourly wage of around $13.28 plus possible tips, a full-time Cashier can expect to earn approximately $27,500 annually. This income can support a modest lifestyle in Des Moines.
Typical monthly expenses include:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $850
- Utilities and internet: $150
- Groceries and dining out: $300–$450
- Transportation costs: $100
While budgeting is important, many Cashiers can live comfortably in Des Moines, especially those sharing housing or supplementing income with tips or additional work.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Des Moines, IA Cashier Jobs
We selected these restaurants primarily based on competitive hourly wages and the reputation of providing stable employment opportunities.
- Pay Scale: Focus on establishments offering $12 or more per hour.
- Location: Restaurants centered in areas with high customer volume to ensure steady work.
- Additional Benefits: Consideration of places offering employee benefits or potential for tips.
These criteria ensure we feature Cashier jobs that maximize your earning potential while providing a supportive work environment.
.png)
.png)
.jpg)