As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fast Food Crew Member in the United States is $27,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $13.
However, a Fast Food Crew Member's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Fast Food Crew Member's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Fast Food Crew Member's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food Crew Member | 0-1 years | $27,416 |
| Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor | 1-2 years | $34,731 |
| Fast Food Restaurant Assistant Manager | 2-3 years | $42,402 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Fast Food Crew Members. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 12.76% |
| Food Handling | 3.11% |
| Packaging | 1.57% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Initiative
|
$29,700 |
8%
|
|
Accountability
|
$29,700 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$29,425 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$29,425 |
7%
|
|
Safety Policies and Procedures
|
$29,425 |
7%
|
|
Cash Handling
|
$29,150 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Fast Food Crew Member's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Fast Food Crew Member, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food Restaurant Shift Supervisor | $34,800 | 27% |
| Gourmet Restaurant Manager - Casino | $59,500 | 116% |
| Culinary Services Supervisor | $40,400 | 47% |
| Food Service Operations Team Lead | $41,200 | 50% |
Salaries for a Fast Food Crew Member can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $30,803 in 2023 to around $30,299 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Fast Food Crew Member salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $30,803 |
| 2024 | $30,654 |
| 2025 | $30,299 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Fast Food Crew Member and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The salary for a Fast Food Crew Member varies, with a minimum salary of $24,600, a mid-range salary of $27,500, and a maximum salary of $30,600 annually. This reflects the earnings potential in the fast food industry, which can be higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for covered nonexempt employees.
The salary for a Fast Food Crew Member in the USA ranges from $24,600 to $30,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $27,500. This reflects the typical earnings for crew members, which may vary based on location and experience.
When considering salaries for fast food crew members, the average annual salary ranges from $24,600 to $30,600. Popular companies like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A typically offer hourly wages between $13 and $16, translating to an annual salary within this range. In-N-Out Burger also stands out, offering competitive pay, making it a top choice for workers seeking higher earnings.
Del Taco was named USA Today's No. 1 fast-food restaurant in the publication's 10 Best rankings. For quite some time, Chick-fil-A has dominated as the No. 1 fast-food restaurant in the land, but it's been bumped down to No. 2. Fast food crew members earn between $24,600 and $30,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $27,500.
Subway's pay for crew members in Los Angeles does not meet the $20 per hour mark. Based on salary data, the minimum salary is approximately $24,600 annually, translating to about $11.82 per hour. The mid-salary is around $27,500, or about $13.22 per hour, while the maximum salary is approximately $30,600, equating to about $14.71 per hour.
Chick-fil-A workers typically earn between $24,600 and $30,600 annually, translating to a monthly pay range of approximately $2,050 to $2,550. While some cities may offer higher salaries, the average pay for crew members generally falls within this range.
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