Fast Food and Counter Workers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.
Median pay: $31,200/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +6.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 904,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.
• Serve customers in eating places that specialize in fast service and inexpensive carry-out food.
• Request and record customer orders, and compute bills, using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.
• Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.
• Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.
• Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, hotel rooms, and cars.
• Monitor and order supplies or food items, and restock as necessary to maintain inventory.
• Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
What's the median pay for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The median pay for Fast Food and Counter Workers is $31,200 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Employment for Fast Food and Counter Workers is projected to change +6.1% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
About 904,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.