Bartenders vs. Fast Food and Counter Workers: Who Earns More?
Bartenderss out-earn Fast Food and Counter Workerss by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Bartenderss land at $34,340 and Fast Food and Counter Workerss at $31,200. The education gap is real: bartender programs typically require no formal educational credential, while fast food and counter worker programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Bartenderss is Hawaii ($76,490); for Fast Food and Counter Workerss it's California ($42,280).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Bartenders median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Bartenderss or Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Bartenderss earn more nationally. The median is $34,340 for Bartenderss versus $31,200 for Fast Food and Counter Workerss, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Bartenders or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Bartenders or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Bartenders typically requires no formal educational credential. Fast Food and Counter Workers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Bartenderss get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Bartenderss at $76,490/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Bartenders vs. Fast Food and Counter Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Hawaii, Bartenderss earn $76,490 vs. $35,250 for Fast Food and Counter Workerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.