How to become fast food and counter workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$31,200

25th–75th pct. $27,700–$36,070

Top pay (est.)

$55,400

Top 10% $42,650

Pay in 5 years

$36,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$42,900est.

$36,900–$49,800

Outlook score

57/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

30%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.8%

827K openings / yr

How to become fast food and counter workers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Fast Food and Counter Workers

Key skills

Service Orientation

2.8

Coordination

2.8

Critical Thinking

2.5

Monitoring

2.2

Active Listening

2.2

Reading Comprehension

2.1

Persuasion

2.0

Social Perceptiveness

2.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

3.5

English Language

3.1

Food Production

2.7

Computers and Electronics

2.7

Administration and Management

2.6

Mathematics

2.5

Production and Processing

2.3

Administrative

2.3

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for OthersGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming General Physical Activities

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionNear VisionFar Vision

Education of workers

Less than high school

56%

High school diploma

24%

Some college

17%

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

None / short demo

44%

Up to 1 month

35%

6–12 months

17%

1–3 months

Related work experience

None

74%

2–4 years

14%

1–2 years

Up to 1 month

1–3 months

6–12 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as fast food and counter workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Waiters and Waitresses Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.	$35,230	50/100	18%
2	Cooks, Restaurant Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants.	$37,390	65/100	19%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.	$44,080	60/100	30%
4	Food Preparation Workers Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.	$35,320	42/100	30%
5	Bartenders Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.	$34,340	58/100	20%
6	Cooks, Fast Food Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu.	$30,890	41/100	35%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.