Fast Food Workers
Overview
Introduction
Whether the restaurants menu features pizza, tacos, hamburgers, or fried chicken, a fast food worker is responsible for serving each customer the correct order in an efficient, professional, and courteous manner. Fast food workers may be employed by large chain restaurants or privately owned shops. Although most of these places serve only one kind of food, some establishments have a wide selection of dishes. In either type of restaurant, fast food workers should be familiar with the menu, including prices, portion sizes, side dishes...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Like other entry-level workers with part-time jobs, fast food workers can expect to begin at the minimum hourly wage set in their state, which must at least equal the national minimum hourly wage of $7.25. If full time, this is a salary of $15,080 a year. (Note: Some cities and states have established higher minimum wages due to the higher cost of living in these places.) Hourly wages for fast ...
Work Environment
Fast food restaurants need to meet the safety and sanitary standards enforced by local and state health departments. These agencies require an establishment to have proper lighting and adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation systems so employees can work in a comfortable environment.
Large fast food franchises are often decorated pleasantly, incorporating the logo, color schemes, or t...
Outlook
Employment for combined food preparation and serving workers (including those in the fast food industry) should increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Americans are constantly on the move and will continue to eat at fast food restaurants to save time and money. Job opportunities for all types of food and beverage workers are...