Explore This Path

Fast Food Worker

💰 Earn $36K-$43K

📚 No Degree Required

⏱️ 0–6 Month Training

📈 6.1% Job Growth

Ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, customer-focused environments.
Play a key role in delivering quick, satisfying meals to the community.
Gain diverse skills from food prep to customer service in one role.

What Fast Food Workers DoPerform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.

Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.
Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.
Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.

Fast Food Workers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationNone

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training TimeLess than 6 months

Job Openings904,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$37,010 in California

$30,480 Nationally

$25K

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@jennivenegass

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Service Orientation

Go Deeper: Fast Food Workers Explained

Fast Food WorkerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

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