Fast Food Worker Salary Guide
National median: $31,200/yr · Range: $23,712–$39,312 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Fast Food Worker Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 35-3023.00. SOC occupation: 35-3023 (Fast Food Worker).
Fast Food Worker Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $39,420 | $44,570 | $48,700 |
| San Francisco, CA | $38,260 | $43,870 | $48,420 |
| San Diego, CA | $36,600 | $42,190 | $43,720 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $36,540 | $42,110 | $44,470 |
| Seattle, WA | $36,690 | $39,150 | $45,250 |
| Denver, CO | $35,980 | $37,070 | $37,940 |
| New York, NY | $34,480 | $35,420 | $37,790 |
| Chicago, IL | $31,200 | $34,630 | $36,590 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $31,790 | $34,540 | $35,980 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $29,440 | $32,220 | $34,900 |
| Austin, TX | $27,680 | $29,310 | $34,280 |
| Nashville, TN | $26,790 | $29,150 | $31,560 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $28,410 | $29,040 | $32,240 |
| Charlotte, NC | $24,790 | $28,880 | $35,040 |
| Columbus, OH | $28,030 | $28,670 | $30,550 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $27,860 | $28,470 | $29,720 |
| Dallas, TX | $26,840 | $28,070 | $31,150 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $26,840 | $28,070 | $31,150 |
| San Antonio, TX | $22,950 | $27,810 | $29,610 |
| Houston, TX | $22,720 | $27,570 | $30,370 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Fast Food Worker Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Fast Food Worker | $22,464 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Fast Food Worker | $28,704 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Fast Food Worker | $36,816 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Fast Food Worker | $44,304 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $52,416 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Fast Food Worker Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- Shift lead experience
- Food safety certification
- Drive-thru speed-of-service record
- Cash handling & POS
- Cross-training on all stations
- Opening/closing responsibility
How to Negotiate a Fast Food Worker Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Fast Food Worker roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($31,200) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Fast Food Worker Salary by City — All 90 Locations
Median Fast Food Worker pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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