Sonic Drive-In Salary

Sonic Drive-In Salary

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As of May 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Sonic Drive-In in the United States is $52,910. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $25. Salaries at Sonic Drive-In typically range from $46,350 to $60,810 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Sonic Drive-In Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Sonic Drive-In. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Area Director, with an annual salary of $279,171. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Area Director

$279,171 / year

Salary Range: $234,946 - $344,677

Operations

Assistant Brand Marketing Manager, Beverages

$157,059 / year

Salary Range: $134,859 - $181,394

Product Development

Assistant General Manager

$90,599 / year

Salary Range: $80,012 - $101,408

Grocery

Assistant General Manager > Starting $16.00 per Hour

$76,049 / year

Salary Range: $64,684 - $90,557

Retail

Assistant Manager (between $14 and $18)

$73,482 / year

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

Retail

Assistant Manager (Salaried)

$56,436 / year

Salary Range: $49,132 - $65,685

Retail

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Sonic Drive-In.
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Job Title Location Release Date
General Manager Fairbanks, AK 11 Months Ago
Assistant Manager Fairbanks, AK 7 Months Ago
Crew Member Anchorage, AK 7 Months Ago
Crew Member Wasilla, AK 7 Months Ago
Restaurant Management Opportunities Enterprise, AL 10 Months Ago
Restaurant Management Opportunities Opelika, AL 11 Months Ago
General Manager DECATUR, AL 8 Months Ago
Crew Member Clanton, AL 8 Months Ago
Crew Member Hamilton, AL 8 Months Ago
Assistant Manager Hamilton, AL 8 Months Ago

About Sonic Drive-In: Company Profile

Website
www.sonicdrivein.com
Founded In
1953
Employees
7,500 - 15,000 employees
Industry
Hospitality & Leisure
Headquarter Location
BAKERSFIELD
Revenue
$500 Million - $1B
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About SONIC DRIVE-IN
SONIC®, America's Drive-In®, is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 8,300 Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and SONIC locations worldwide.

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

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Sonic Drive-In's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Overall, I feel valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success. The company offers good incentives and recognition programs. The benefits package is generous, and there are plenty of growth opportunities. The company invests in employee development through workshops and certifications. Compensation is fair, with bonuses for high performance. The leadership here is visionary and encour...
Commented in April 25, 2025
40
0
The management team is supportive, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork. Career growth opportunities are plentiful, making this a standout employer in the leisure sector. Joining this company was one of my best career decisions. I’ve had a very positive experience here.
Commented in March 10, 2025
42
3
The company’s reputation in the hospitality sector is well-deserved, and I’m proud to be associated with such a respected brand. The workplace vibe is energetic, and colleagues are always willing to help. I appreciate the work-life balance and flexibility in scheduling. Great perks for employees. I’ve gained valuable experience in customer service and operations.
Commented in February 17, 2025
19
1
The team collaboration is strong, making even busy shifts enjoyable. The company operates efficiently with a focus on delivering quality service. Every day brings new challenges, and the company encourages innovation. It’s a great place to grow and thrive in the hospitality industry.
Commented in September 30, 2024
41
3
My time here has been satisfactory. I’ve had a wonderful experience at this company. I’ve grown professionally thanks to the training programs offered.
Commented in February 08, 2024
14
3

How Sonic Drive-In's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating Sonic Drive-In’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

Is Sonic Drive-In’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Sonic Drive-In'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
S4K INC $45,187
-14.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where S4K INC primarily operates.
SA FORCE VOLLEYBALL CLUB $41,383
-21.8%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like SA FORCE VOLLEYBALL CLUB.
S & S COMPANY, LLC $43,373
-18.0%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
SA TANGWAKEFIELD $44,717
-15.5%
SA TANGWAKEFIELD focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Hospitality & Leisure Industry $122,562
+131.6%
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 Bakersfield?

Understanding the cost of living near Bakersfield is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Sonic Drive-In.
Bakersfield's Cost of Living Index is approximately 103.8 (3.8% more expensive than US average; 25.8% less than CA average). Southern Central Valley city, one of CA's more affordable large cities, driven by lower housing costs. Oil and agriculture. When planning your budget based on a salary from Sonic Drive-In, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,250 - $1,800+ A significant portion of Sonic Drive-In salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $200 - $330 (High AC use) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $45 (GET monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $390 - $580 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $670+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,545 - $3,985+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Sonic Drive-In

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Sonic Drive-In?
The typical annual salary range for most roles at Sonic Drive-In is approximately from $46,350 to $60,810. 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 Sonic Drive-In pay compared to S4K INC?
The average annual salary at Sonic Drive-In is $52,910, or an hourly wage of $25, in comparison to S4K INC which pays $45,186 per year or $22 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Sonic Drive-In?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Sonic Drive-In, 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 Sonic Drive-In in Bakersfield is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Sonic Drive-In in Bakersfield is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Sonic Drive-In and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Bakersfield" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Sonic Drive-In?
Several key factors influence salary levels at Sonic Drive-In. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: Sonic Drive-In likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Hospitality & Leisure sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.

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