Cooks, Fast Food: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 668,230 cooks, fast foods, and they earn a median of $30,160/year. The range runs from $22K to $39K. Hawaii pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level cooks, fast foods start around $22K. The gap between that and the median ($30K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $39K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $40K | 830 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | 2,610 |
| New Hampshire | $37K | 2,280 |
| Massachusetts | $37K | 5,140 |
| Vermont | $37K | 1,060 |
| Oregon | $37K | 4,360 |
| Washington | $37K | 8,630 |
| California | $36K | 136,550 |
| Alaska | $36K | 2,930 |
| Maine | $36K | 1,970 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, fast food make?▼
The median cooks, fast food salary in the United States is $30,160 per year ($15/hour). Entry-level positions start around $22,370, while experienced professionals earn up to $38,980.
What education do you need to become a cooks, fast food?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for cooks, fast foods?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for cooks, fast foods.
What are the highest paying states for cooks, fast foods?▼
The highest paying states for cooks, fast foods are Hawaii ($40,300), District of Columbia ($38,350), New Hampshire ($37,220), Massachusetts ($37,100), Vermont ($37,050). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.