Home / Compare / Fast Food and Counter Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses Salary comparison Fast Food and Counter Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Salary Comparison (2026) Fast Food and Counter Workerss earn a median salary of $30,480/year, while Waiters and Waitressess earn $33,760/year - a difference of $3,280. Waiters and Waitressess earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.
Fast Food and Counter Workers
Waiters and Waitresses
Median salary
$30,480
$33,760
Hourly rate
$14.65/hr
$16.23/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$22,620
$18,500
Senior level (90th %)
$38,800
$62,510
Education required
Varies
Varies
U.S. employment
3,780,930
2,302,690
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Food Service
Food Service
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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