Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary 2025: $31,200 Median, 6% Growth
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker earns $31,200 per year as of 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $15 an hour. The typical range falls between $22,840 (10th percentile) and $42,650 (90th percentile), so starting pay is often near minimum wage, but experienced workers in high-cost states can earn much more.
How much Fast Food and Counter Workers earn
The national mean annual wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers is $32,150, or roughly $15.46 an hour. Half of all workers earn less than the $31,200 median, and half earn more. The bottom 10% make $22,840 or less, while the top 10% earn $42,650 or more. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey.
- 10th percentile: $22,840
- 25th percentile: $27,020
- Median (50th): $31,200
- 75th percentile: $36,560
- 90th percentile: $42,650
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state for Fast Food and Counter Workers is California, with an average annual wage of $42,280. Washington follows at $37,710, then the District of Columbia ($37,430), Colorado ($36,270), and Vermont ($36,030). On the low end, Oklahoma averages $23,430, Louisiana $22,800, and Mississippi $22,610. That's a spread of nearly $20,000 between the top and bottom states.
State averages reflect local cost of living and minimum wage laws. In high-wage states like California, many fast-food chains now pay $20 or more an hour due to state mandates, pushing averages higher.
How to become a Fast Food and Counter Worker
This occupation has low formal barriers. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, though many hire workers without one, especially for entry-level positions. No postsecondary education or certification is needed.
Training is typically on the job and lasts a few days to a few weeks. New hires learn to operate cash registers, take orders, prepare food items, and follow safety and sanitation procedures. Customer service skills are essential. Advancement often involves moving to shift supervisor, assistant manager, or even general manager roles.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (often not required)
- Training: On-the-job, typically less than one month
- Skills: Customer service, basic math, ability to stand for long periods
- Advancement: Shift supervisor, assistant manager, general manager
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Fast Food and Counter Workers will grow by 6.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 904,300 job openings each year, on average, over the decade. Most openings stem from the need to replace workers who leave the industry, which has high turnover.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in 2025?
The median annual salary is $31,200, with a mean of $32,150. The typical range is $22,840 to $42,650.
How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers make per hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $15.46. Based on the median annual salary, it's roughly $15 per hour.
What education do you need to become a Fast Food and Counter Worker?
Most employers prefer a high school diploma, but it's often not required. Training is provided on the job.
What is the job growth for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Employment is projected to grow 6.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 904,300 openings each year.
Which states pay Fast Food and Counter Workers the most?
California pays the most, averaging $42,280, followed by Washington ($37,710), D.C. ($37,430), Colorado ($36,270), and Vermont ($36,030).
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 Fast Food and Counter Workers data.