
Top 18 best paying fast food jobs 2021
Highest Paying Fast Food Jobs
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If you enjoy working with food and people, the fast food industry could be a great place to start your career. These jobs allow you to work on your transferable skills, such as customer relations, cash handling and working under pressure. Plus, depending on the company and position, salaries can be decent.
Knowing which jobs offer the highest salaries in this industry can help you narrow down your job search. In this article, we explain why many people choose to work in the fast-food industry, list the highest-paying fast-food jobs and provide descriptions for common fast-food jobs.
Many people choose to work in the fast food industry because it offers a great salary and flexible hours. The highest paying positions typically require some experience or training, but most restaurants are willing to train their new employees. Common fast food jobs include: cashier, cook, assistant cook/manager, line worker (cashier), dishwasher/cleaner and server (bartender).
Why should you work in the fast-food industry?
Working in the fast-food industry can be beneficial for several reasons. First, there is a wide variety of food to choose from, so you are always likely to find something that appeals to your palate. Additionally, working in this type of setting provides opportunities for developing soft skills which can be useful no matter what career path you decide to pursue. Finally, due to the fact that fast-food restaurants are often flexible with their hours, it is easy to find a job that works best for you.
Highest paid fast-food jobs
While there may be some commonalities to expect working across the fast food industry—counter work, drive thru and food preparation—some offer better opportunities than others. Here are 10 fast-food restaurants and their highest-paying positions. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link by each job title below:
1. Burger King
If you want to work at Burger King, you will need to be able to handle a variety of duties. While most of your time will likely be spent as a fast-food cashier or taking orders through the drive-thru windows, there are also opportunities for you to act as a cook or even work in the restaurant’s marketing department. Depending on the day and needs of the restaurant, some positions may pay more than others.

Burger King
2. In-N-Out Burger
At In-N-Out Burger, you’ll be treated like a team member and have the opportunity to advance through different employment levels. The restaurant also allows employees to start at a higher wage and gives small raises when new duties are learned.

In-N-Out Burger
3. Wendy’s
Wendy’s employees receive individualized training and have the opportunity to work in every area of the business. If you’re interested in joining our team, please explore our career options and find what best suits your skills.

Wendy’s
4. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A offers a variety of positions that typically involve working with food, taking customer orders and serving guests. Employees are typically given Sundays off as part of their job responsibilities.

Chick-fil-A
5. Arby’s
Arby’s offers jobs to individuals with previous experience and familiarity with its restaurant. The chain also offers personal and professional growth programs for its employees to take advantage of. Some of the highest-paying positions at Arby’s are as a waiter or waitress, shift manager, or marketing specialist.

Arby’s
6. Domino’s
Domino’s Pizza offers part- and full-time opportunities at its store locations, as well as a variety of training and development programs to encourage employee growth. Its highest-paid positions include positions in management, operations, and delivery.

Domino’s
7. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a company that offers many opportunities for interested individuals. Not only does it offer flexible scheduling, but you can also advance your career within the company over time. Here are some of their available positions:
If you want to work at McDonald’s, be sure to check out their website for all of the current openings! They have a variety of positions available, and they always look for talented individuals to join their team.

McDonald’s
8. Taco Bell
Taco Bell is always looking for new employees, whether they are looking for a career change or just want to gain some experience. Some of the positions available at Taco Bell include cashier, cook, and manager.

Taco Bell
9. Popeyes
Popeyes offers employees a fast-paced environment and flexible scheduling. Employees may also receive benefits like paid time off and employee discounts. There are several employment opportunities at Popeyes, including applying online or in person.

Popeyes
10. KFC
KFC is a fast food chain that offers a variety of positions in sales, management, customer service, retail and food preparation and service. After working as an employee for a few months, you may have the opportunity to work at the store’s various stations. Some of the highest-paying positions are in sales and management.

KFC
11. Panda Express
Panda Express is one of the highest-paying fast-food restaurants around, with employees typically earning an average of $13.13 per hour..
Here’s what their average hourly rates look like:

Panda Express
12. Browse Panda Express jobs on Jobcase.
Fast food jobs at Panera Bread can pay up to $13 an hour, and baker positions can offer upward of $10 to $16 per hour. With over 2,173 locations in the United States, you’re likely to find a job opportunity at a Panera Bread location near you.

Browse Panda Express jobs on Jobcase.
13. Chipotle
Chipotle is a great place to work, and it pays well. The average hourly wage at Chipotle is $12.27 per hour, which varies depending on the position you hold.

Chipotle
14. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ employees earn an average of $10.81 per hour, with a range of salaries depending on the position. Managers and team leaders typically earn more than other positions, while employees in restaurant support roles typically make less.

Dunkin’
15. Starbucks
Retail shift supervisors at Starbucks earn an average of $11.91 per hour, but can earn up to $18 per hour. They also have to work in the kitchen and deal with any complaints from customers.

Starbucks
16. Jamba Juice Team Member: $8.29 an hour.
Many workers on Glassdoor rave about the free smoothies and laid-back vibe at the juice chain. The tips provided below can help round out an hourly wage for this position.

Jamba Juice Team Member
17. Noodles & Company Noodle Ambassador: $8.31 an hour.
Noodles & Company workers say there are many opportunities for advancement within the company, and they appreciate the fresh ingredients used in their dishes.

Noodles & Company Noodle Ambassador
18. Panera Bread Cashier: $8.40 an hour.
Panera’s employees generally enjoy the relaxed environment and tend to like their coworkers. However, they do have one complaint – high employee turnover.

Panera Bread Cashier
What do you do in a fast-food job?
Before deciding on a fast-food position you want to pursue, consider the primary duties and responsibilities for each job. Understanding the position in detail can help you determine whether you can see yourself working in this capacity. Here are some common fast-food positions and their primary duties:
Manager
Here are some primary duties of a fast-food manager:
- Manage the restaurant’s finances.
- Schedule each employee’s shifts.
- Oversee the food preparation process.
- Maintain food safety and standards.
- Hire and train employees.
You may not require a degree to pursue a fast-food management position, you will need a few years of experience working in fast food. Typically, fast-food managers work their way up from an entry-level position and apply for this managerial role once they’ve acquired enough skills and experience.
Cook
Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen and food preparation that keeps fast food going. Their duties include: :
- Receive customer orders from cashiers.
- Prepare and cook food for customers.
- Safely handle all food.
- Operate large, single-purpose cooking equipment.
- Comply with health, safety and sanitary regulations.
As with many other fast-food positions, you receive on-the-job training to help with your new duties as a cook.
Delivery driver
Here are some of a delivery driver’s duties:
- Pick up food orders and transport them to the customer’s location
- Collect the payment for a customer order
- Provide quality customer service
To become a delivery driver for a fast-food restaurant, you need a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Good driving knowledge of the area will be extremely helpful in making deliveries promptly.
Team member, crew member, attendant or cashier
Team members, crew members, attendants and cashiers have roughly the same duties, including:
- Greet customers.
- Take customer orders.
- Operate cash registers and receive payments from customers.
- Handle and process payments.
- Assemble, prepare and cook some menu items.
The role of a team member, crew member, attendant or cashier doesn’t require a particular educational background or level of experience. Though you’ll have a variety of duties upon employment, you’ll receive training to help you perform your job successfully.
Discover Indeed’s top resources for food service talent including career advice, sample resumes, job search quick links and more.
Which fast food job pays the most?
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger pays the highest average hourly wage of all fast-food joints, with customer service associates earning an average of $17 an hour and top earners making $24 an hour. This is an established company with more than 70 years in the game and over 280 stores.9 highest-paying fast-food jobs – Jobcasewww.jobcase.com › articles › fast-food-jobs-highest-payingAbout Featured Snippets
Which fast food makes the most money 2021?
Here was the top 5:McDonald’s. 2021: 86.9. 2020: 87.9.Costa. 2021: 85. 2020: 81.4.Chick-fil-A. 2021: 84.7. 2020: 79.9.Tim Hortons. 2021: 84.2. 2020: 82.Starbucks.The World’s 10 Most Valuable Fast-Food Brands | QSR magazinewww.qsrmagazine.com › content › worlds-10-most-valuable-fast-food-bra…About Featured Snippets
What is the highest paying fast food job in America?
Here are some of this fast-food chain’s highest-paying positions: Restaurant manager : $39,457 per year. Cook : $19,822 per year.Highest Paying Fast Food Jobs | Indeed.comwww.indeed.com › Career Guide › Finding a jobAbout Featured Snippets
What restaurant pays the most?
TGI Friday. This restaurant chain has the highest hourly pay for servers according to salary figures compiled by Glassdoor. With an average rate of $9.39 per hour before tips, wait staff receive larger paychecks that compensate for an evening with lower tips.6 Best Restaurant Chains to Work For – Jobs.netwww.jobs.net › article › cb-239-talent-network-hospitality-6-best-restauran…About Featured Snippets