Cooks, Fast Food Salary 2025: $30,890 Median, -13.5% Decline Ahead
The median fast food cook earns $30,890 per year, or about $15 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $22,580 at the 10th percentile to $42,910 at the 90th. With 641,070 people currently employed, this is a common entry-level role — but the career outlook shows a sharp contraction ahead.
How much Cooks, Fast Food earn
National median annual salary for cooks, fast food is $30,890, with a mean wage of $32,390. Hourly pay averages roughly $15. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,580, while experienced cooks in the top 10% can reach $42,910.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically changes your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Hawaii, where fast food cooks earn a mean $48,120 per year. D.C. follows at $44,670, then California at $42,050, Washington at $39,120, and New Hampshire at $38,590. On the low end, Kentucky pays $23,500, West Virginia $23,120, and Mississippi just $22,670.
How to become Cooks, Fast Food
No formal education is required beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training happens on the job. The typical path: apply for an entry-level position (often called crew member or line cook), learn basic food preparation, safety procedures, and customer service. Some employers require a food handler card or ServSafe certification — these cost $15 to $50 and can be completed online in a few hours.
- Minimum age: typically 16 (varies by state and employer).
- On-the-job training lasts a few weeks to a month.
- Voluntary certifications (ServSafe, food handler permit) improve hiring odds.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment for fast food cooks will decline 13.5% from 2024 to 2034 — losing about 86,500 jobs. Despite the drop, roughly 82,100 openings occur each year due to workers leaving the field. Automation and self-service kiosks are reducing demand, but replacement needs keep the occupation from disappearing entirely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly pay for fast food cooks?
The mean hourly wage is about $15, or about $32,390 annually. Median annual salary is $30,890.
What states pay fast food cooks the most?
Hawaii ($48,120), District of Columbia ($44,670), and California ($42,050) are the top-paying places.
Is fast food cook a declining job?
Yes. BLS expects a 13.5% decline from 2024 to 2034, though about 82,100 openings per year will still exist because of turnover.
Do I need a degree to become a fast food cook?
No. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, and training is provided on the job.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Cooks, Fast Food data.