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Restaurant and Fast Food Jobs: Starting Salaries from $28,000/Yr
Find out how to start in Restaurant and Fast Food jobs earning $10+ per hour, with flexible schedules and career advancement opportunities!
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Exciting opportunities and a career path full of growth
The restaurant and fast food industry has been one of the most consistent sources of employment across the U.S. for decades.
Many who start in entry-level roles eventually grow into leadership positions, overseeing entire teams or managing operations.
If you’re someone seeking immediate work with the possibility of career progression, this could be your perfect match.
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Discover what positions are available in Restaurants and Fast Food
The restaurant and fast food sector offers a wide variety of roles suited to different skills and experience levels. Some of the most common positions include:
- Crew Member: Handle customer service, prepare food, and maintain cleanliness in dining areas.
- Cook or Line Cook: Prepare meals according to recipes, ensuring food safety and quality.
- Dishwasher: Keep kitchen equipment and utensils clean and organized.
- Cashier: Process transactions, assist customers with orders, and operate the cash register.
- Shift Supervisor: Oversee daily operations, manage teams, and ensure smooth service during shifts.
- Restaurant Manager: Lead staff, manage budgets, inventory, and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Delivery Driver: Deliver meals quickly and safely, often with flexible hours.
Many workers start in entry-level roles, like crew member or cashier, and with time and dedication, advance to supervisory or management positions within the industry.
Average salaries in Restaurant and Fast Food jobs
| Position | Typical Pay |
| Crew Member | $10 – $17 per hour |
| Cook or Line Cook | $11 – $18 per hour |
| Dishwasher | $10 – $16 per hour |
| Cashier | $10 – $17 per hour |
| Delivery Driver | $12 – $20 per hour |
| Shift Supervisor | $35,000 – $45,000 per year |
| Restaurant Manager | $50,000 – $60,000 per year |
| Additional earnings | Overtime pay, tips, and meal discounts |
Salaries in this sector can vary depending on the position, location, and level of experience. While many jobs start at the minimum wage or slightly higher, there is plenty of room to grow.
Entry-level roles such as crew members or dishwashers typically start around $28,000 per year. Cooks and line cooks can expect to earn approximately $30,000 to $36,000 annually.
Supervisory and management roles come with higher pay.
Shift supervisors may earn about $40,000 per year, while restaurant managers can make upwards of $55,000 annually, depending on the establishment and region.
How is the Restaurant and Fast Food sector growing?
The restaurant and fast food industry continues to grow steadily. According to recent data from the National Restaurant Association, the sector is projected to add hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next few years.
Consumer demand for fast, affordable meals has increased, especially with the rise of delivery apps and online ordering.
Restaurants are expanding their operations to meet this demand, which means more job openings for entry-level and experienced workers alike.
Some of the top-rated places to work in this sector include well-known names like McDonald’s, which is recognized for its career advancement programs, Chick-fil-A, known for its positive work environment, and Starbucks, which offers comprehensive employee benefits.
These companies are constantly hiring and investing in employee development.
McDonald's is Hiring
Start your career at McDonald's! Flexible hours, steady pay, and growth opportunities make it a great place to work.
The perks of working in Restaurants and Fast Food you should know about
Working in this industry offers more than just a paycheck. Many companies provide benefits to attract and retain their employees. Here are some of the most common perks you can expect:
- Flexible Schedules: Ideal for students, parents, or anyone needing work-life balance.
- Meal Discounts: Free or discounted meals during shifts and off-duty.
- On-the-Job Training: Learn essential skills like customer service, food safety, and teamwork.
- Career Growth Opportunities: Many companies promote from within and offer management training.
- Health and Wellness Plans: Some restaurants provide health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Tuition Assistance: Larger chains sometimes offer programs to help employees further their education.
- Paid Time Off: Eligible workers can earn vacation days and sick leave.
Must-have skills to land a job in Restaurants and Fast Food
The great thing about this sector is that many positions don’t require advanced education. However, certain skills and traits are highly valued:
- Customer Service Skills: Being friendly and helpful is key to success.
- Teamwork: Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Clear and polite interaction with customers and coworkers.
- Basic Math: Useful for handling cash registers and processing orders.
- Time Management: Stay organized and meet deadlines during busy shifts.
- Physical Stamina: Be prepared for standing, walking, and lifting during long shifts.
- Adaptability: Ability to handle different roles and tasks as needed.
Why a career in Restaurants and Fast Food could be right for you
While many people view restaurant and fast food jobs as temporary, they can actually be the starting point for a lasting and rewarding career.
Many successful managers, franchise owners, and corporate leaders began as entry-level workers in this very sector.
Over time, employees can move up the ladder, taking advantage of company-sponsored training and leadership development programs.
Some even transition to corporate roles in marketing, HR, or operations after gaining field experience.
Choosing this path can provide financial stability and career growth without requiring a college degree.
If you’re motivated, willing to learn, and ready to work hard, the restaurant and fast food industry offers unlimited possibilities.
Quick guide: How to apply for opportunities in Restaurants and Fast Food
Getting started in this field is usually simple. Here’s how you can apply today:
- Visit Company Websites: Go to the careers page of your preferred restaurant or fast food chain.
- Use Job Boards: Check online platforms like Indeed, Snagajob, or local classifieds for listings.
- Walk-In Applications: Some locations accept paper applications in person.
- Prepare a Simple Resume: Highlight your customer service skills, reliability, and willingness to learn.
- Dress for Success: If applying in person, dress neatly and be polite to staff.
- Follow Up: After applying, check back with the manager to show your interest.
Looking for more? Check out Warehouse and Logistics job opportunities next
If you’re curious about other industries that offer steady work and career progression, Warehouse and Logistics jobs might be your next step.
These positions also provide entry-level opportunities and pathways to higher-paying roles over time.
Check out our next article to learn more about exciting job openings in the growing warehouse and logistics sector!
Warehouse and Logistics Job Openings
Warehouse jobs from $17/hr, no degree needed! Great benefits, career growth, and job security await you.
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