Fast Food and Counter Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Waiters and Waitresses out-earn Fast Food and Counter Workers by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Fast Food and Counter Workers land at $31,200 and Waiters and Waitresses at $35,230. The education gap is real: fast food and counter worker programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Fast Food and Counter Workers is California ($42,280); for Waiters and Waitresses it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Fast Food and Counter Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Fast Food and Counter Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Waiters and Waitresses earn more nationally. The median is $31,200 for Fast Food and Counter Workers versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitresses, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Fast Food and Counter Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Fast Food and Counter Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 6.1% projected growth, compared to -0.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Fast Food and Counter Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Fast Food and Counter Workers typically requires no formal educational credential. Waiters and Waitresses requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Fast Food and Counter Workers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Fast Food and Counter Workers at $42,280/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Fast Food and Counter Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn $37,710 vs. $56,130 for Waiters and Waitresses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.