Food Preparation Workers vs. Fast Food and Counter Workers: Who Earns More?
Food Preparation Workers out-earn Fast Food and Counter Workers by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Preparation Workers land at $35,320 and Fast Food and Counter Workers at $31,200. The education gap is real: food preparation worker programs typically require no formal educational credential, while fast food and counter worker programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Food Preparation Workers is Washington ($40,910); for Fast Food and Counter Workers it's California ($42,280).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Food Preparation Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Preparation Workers or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Food Preparation Workers earn more nationally. The median is $35,320 for Food Preparation Workers versus $31,200 for Fast Food and Counter Workers, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Preparation Workers or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Fast Food and Counter Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 6.1% projected growth, compared to -3.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Food Preparation Workers or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Food Preparation Workers 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 Food Preparation Workers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Food Preparation Workers at $40,910/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Preparation Workers vs. Fast Food and Counter Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Food Preparation Workers earn $40,910 vs. $37,710 for Fast Food and Counter Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.