Panda Express Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Panda Express in the United States is $48,657. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $23. Salaries at Panda Express typically range from $42,624 to $55,927 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Panda Express Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Panda Express. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Cashier/Kitchen Help, with an annual salary of $190,104. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Assistant Concept Manager 1

$49,734 / year

Salary Range: $45,768 - $55,572

Restaurant Management

Assistant Manager

$73,482 / year

Salary Range: $63,682 - $85,889

Retail

Busser

$23,985 / year

Salary Range: $21,469 - $27,084

Hospitality

Cashier

$34,879 / year

Salary Range: $31,556 - $38,763

Food and Beverage

Cashier & Customer Service

$28,082 / year

Salary Range: $24,683 - $31,435

Hospitality

Cashier/Kitchen Help

$190,104 / year

Salary Range: $164,485 - $220,247

Cashier Services

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Panda Express.
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Job Title Location Release Date
Team Member Orlando, FL 8 Months Ago
Assistant Manager Orlando, FL 6 Months Ago
Restaurant Manager Orlando, FL 8 Months Ago
Prep Cook Columbus, OH 9 Months Ago

About Panda Express: Company Profile

Website
Data pending, update soon.
Founded In
2019
Employees
3,000 - 7,500 employees
Industry
Hospitality & Leisure
Headquarter Location
CUMMING
Revenue
$3B - $5B
Phone Number
-
Social Media

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Panda Express's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
I appreciate how the company adapts to industry trends, making it a forward-thinking workplace. Career growth is encouraged, and internal promotions are common. Training is adequate, though more hands-on learning would help. I’ve been able to grow my career here thanks to the supportive culture.
I’ve grown both professionally and personally here, and the opportunities for advancement are clear. I enjoy the dynamic atmosphere and the chance to interact with diverse clients. Compensation is competitive, and the bonus structure is fair.
The workplace is well-managed with clear expectations. While not the most innovative, the company is well-respected in the industry. The benefits package is standard for the industry. The work atmosphere is energetic and welcoming. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a fulfilling hospitality career. The job duties are clearly defined, and the team works well together.
The company also invests in skill development, which is a huge plus. Team dynamics are good, and supervisors are fair. Overall, it’s a stable job with reasonable expectations in the hospitality sector.
Employee events are fantastic. While there aren’t many flashy perks, the basics like health coverage and steady hours are reliable. The benefits package is competitive, and employee appreciation events are a nice touch. Welcoming atmosphere.

Is Panda Express’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Panda Express's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
P A D INC $40,249
-17.3%
P A D INC focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
S & P FOODS INC $41,858
-14.0%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where S & P FOODS INC primarily operates.
P&GΓÇÖS PAMELAΓÇÖS DINER $43,161
-11.3%
P&GΓÇÖS PAMELAΓÇÖS DINER operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
P C HEER HOLDINGS INC $38,952
-19.9%
P C HEER HOLDINGS INC likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Hospitality & Leisure Industry $122,562
+151.9%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Atlanta?

Understanding the cost of living near Atlanta is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Panda Express.
Atlanta's Cost of Living Index is approximately 105.0 (5.0% more expensive than US average; 12.9% more than GA average). Major SE hub, housing costs above US avg, especially in desirable neighborhoods. MARTA rail/bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Panda Express, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,500 - $2,300+ A significant portion of Panda Express salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $95 (MARTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $420 - $620 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $750+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,945 - $4,625+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Panda Express

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Panda Express?
The typical annual salary range for most roles at Panda Express is approximately from $42,624 to $55,927. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does Panda Express pay compared to P A D INC?
The average annual salary at Panda Express is $48,657, or an hourly wage of $23, in comparison to P A D INC which pays $40,248 per year or $19 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Panda Express?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Panda Express, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Panda Express in Atlanta is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Panda Express in Atlanta is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Panda Express and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Atlanta" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: What factors influence salary increases at Panda Express?
Salary increases at Panda Express are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.