Fast Food Workers

Like other entry-level workers with part-time jobs, fast food workers can expect to begin at the minimum hourly wage set in their state, which must at least equal the national minimum hourly wage of $7.25. If full time, this is a salary of $15,080 a year. (Note: Some cities and states have established higher minimum wages due to the higher cost of living in these places.) Hourly wages for fast food cooks ranged from $10.48 ($21,800 annually for full-time work) for the lowest paid 10 percent to $17.56 ($36,510 annually for full-time work) for the highest paid 10 percent in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The median hourly wage for fast food cooks was $14.07 (full-time work at this rate paid $29,260 a year).

Full-time food preparation and serving workers earned median hourly wages of $15.59 (full-time work at this rate paid $32,420 a year). The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $20.67 per hour ($42,990 a year full time), while the lowest paid 10 percent earned $11.04 or less per hour ($22,970 a year full time).

Larger restaurant franchises often offer annual raises and bonuses. Restaurants that have late evening or all-night hours may compensate employees who work those shifts with higher hourly wages. Sometimes employees earn additional compensation or time-and-a-half for working overtime or on holidays. Some restaurants and individually owned franchises offer tuition assistance, as well as periodic bonuses.