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highest paying fast food jobs 2020
Highest Paying Fast Food Jobs
If you enjoy working with food and people, the fast food industry could be the place to start. Not only do these jobs allow you to work on your transferable skills where you gain knowledge of customer relations, cash handling and working under pressure, but you can actually make a decent salary depending on the company and position.
Knowing which jobs offer the highest salaries in this industry can help you narrow down your job search. In this article, we explain reasons to work in the fast-food industry, list the highest-paying fast-food jobs and provide descriptions for common fast-food jobs.
Why should you work in the fast-food industry?
Working in the fast-food industry comes with several benefits. Not only is there a wide variety of food with locations abound, but it is an excellent place for practicing soft skills. Plus, you are more likely to have a flexible schedule, whether you work part- or full-time hours, mornings or evenings.
Highest paid fast-food jobs
While there may be some commonalities to expect working across the fast food industry—counter work, drive thru and food preparation—some offer better opportunities than others. Here are 10 fast-food restaurants and their highest-paying positions. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link by each job title below:
1. Burger King
If you want to work at Burger King, you can expect to perform a variety of duties. While you may spend most of your time as a fast-food cashier, you may also act as a cook or take customer orders through the restaurant’s drive-thru windows. Your specific duties may depend on the day or the needs of the restaurant at the time. Here are some of this fast-food chain’s highest-paying positions:
- Restaurant manager: $39,457 per year
- Cook: $19,822 per year
2. In-N-Out Burger
At In-N-Out Burger, you can expect a team-friendly environment and a variety of flexible shifts. The restaurant also allows you to advance through different employment levels. In-N-Out burger also starts employees above minimum wage and gives small raises when new duties are learned.
- Manager: $41,792 per year
- Cook: $20,568 per year
3. Wendy’s
Wendy’s employees receive one-on-one training and have the ability to work in every area of the business. If you’re interested in working for this fast-food chain, you can pursue a variety of career paths, including the following:
- General manager: $44,224 per year
- Crew member: $19,406 per year
4. Chick-fil-A
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A offers many positions that typically involve preparing food, taking customer orders and serving restaurant guests. You can also expect Sundays off as a Chick-fil-A employee. Here are some positions you can pursue at this chain:
- Assistant general manager: $44,586 per year
- Kitchen team member: $24,981 per year
5. Arby’s
Arby’s offers employment to individuals with previous experience and familiarity with the restaurant. The chain also offers personal and professional growth programs for its employees to take advantage of. Here are some of its highest-paying positions:
- Restaurant manager: $44,828 per year
- Team member: $20,363 per year
6. Domino’s
Domino’s offers part- and full-time opportunities at its store locations. It also encourages employee growth through its variety of training and development programs. Here are some of its highest-paid positions:
- General manager** $45,262 per year
- Delivery driver:** $29,682 per year
7. McDonald’s
McDonald’s provides many employment opportunities for interested individuals. Not only does it offer flexible scheduling, but you can also advance your career within the company over time. Here are some of their available positions:
- General manager:** $45,997 per year
- Fast-food attendant:** $21,050 per year
8. Taco Bell
Taco Bell has positions for people looking for entry-level or managerial employment opportunities. Some of its jobs include:
- General manager:** $46,476 per year
- Kitchen team member:** $21,819 per year
9. Popeyes
This multinational chain offers employees a fast-paced environment and flexible scheduling. Employees may also receive benefits like paid time off and employee discounts. You can find several employment opportunities at Popeyes, including:
- Restaurant manager:** $53,780 per year
- Cook: $20,509 per year
10. KFC
This fast-food chain offers a variety of sales, management, customer service, retail and food preparation and service positions. After a few months of working as a KFC employee, you have the opportunity to work at the store’s various stations. Here are some of its highest-paying positions:
- General manager:** $72,726 per year
- Cashier:** $19,843 per year
What do you do in a fast-food job?
Before deciding on a fast-food position you want to pursue, consider the primary duties and responsibilities for each job. Understanding the position in detail can help you determine whether you can see yourself working in this capacity. Here are some common fast-food positions and their primary duties:
Manager
Here are some primary duties of a fast-food manager:
- Manage the restaurant’s finances.
- Schedule each employee’s shifts.
- Oversee the food preparation process.
- Maintain food safety and standards.
- Hire and train employees.
The 10 best-paying jobs in fast food
McDonald’s is going to raise wages by 10% for some workers and add benefits like paid vacation.
The pay raise, which takes effect in July, will affect 90,000 workers and will lift the average hourly wage to $9.90.
McDonald’s is already one of the highest-paying fast food chains, according to Glassdoor.
Here’s Glassdoor’s ranking of the 10 jobs that pay the highest hourly wages in the fast food industry.
10. McDonald’s Fry Cook: $8.07 an hour.
Despite a reputation for low wages, McDonald’s made the top 10. The company’s fry cooks make slightly more than other crew members, like cashiers.
Common things workers like about the job include McDonald’s famously good training system. But many said they feel trapped once they get the job.
9. Five Guys Burgers & Fries Crew Member: $8.07 an hour.
Five Guys is a relatively new player in the fast food world, but has expanded quickly.
The company has the lowest Glassdoor satisfaction rating of any restaurant chain on the list. Workers liked the free food and tips, but felt they didn’t have room to grow professionally.
8. Dunkin’ Donuts Cashier: $8.12 an hour.
Dunkin’ Donuts will be hiring thousands of workers in part of a huge expansion across America.
Workers at the donut chain like that there are opportunities for promotion. But some feel like the company doesn’t invest enough in their training.
7. Chick-fil-A Team Member: $8.16 an hour.
Chick-fil-A workers love that the restaurant is closed on Sundays, part of the company’s Christian culture. But some workers felt left out by the religious values.
6. Jamba Juice Team Member: $8.29 an hour.
Workers on Glassdoor rave about the free smoothies and laid-back vibe at the juice chain. Tips can help round out the hourly wage.
5. Noodles & Company Noodle Ambassador: $8.31 an hour.
Noodles & Company workers say there are great opportunities for promotion within the company. They also praise the fresh food.
4. Panera Bread Cashier: $8.40 an hour.
Panera’s workers praise the relaxed environment and tend to like their coworkers. Their biggest complaint is high employee turnover.
3. Chipotle Crew Member: $8.78 an hour.
Chipotle workers love the company culture and inclusive environment. They warn that the work can be demanding for the pay.
2. Panda Express Counter Help: $9.01 an hour.
Workers praise Panda Express’ pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth. The most common con is that shifts tend to be long.
1. In-N-Out Burger Associate: $11.17 an hour.
This West Coast chain offers the best pay in the business.