Fast Food and Counter Workers
O*NET 35-3023.00 · SOC 35-3023
Fast Food and Counter Worker is a solid career choice. Median pay is $31k a year with +5.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 827,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Take customer food and drink orders at the counter or drive-through.
- →Enter orders accurately into the point-of-sale system.
- →Package completed food orders and hand them to customers.
- →Process cash, card, and mobile payments and return correct change.
- →Restock napkins, straws, lids, and condiment areas throughout the shift.
Education & How to Get In
Fast Food and Counter Worker roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Fast Food and Counter Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Fast Food and Counter Worker?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Fast Food and Counter Worker Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Fast Food and Counter Workers is projected to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Worker make?
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker earns $31k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs?
Our model puts Fast Food and Counter Worker at 50 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Fast Food and Counter Worker a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 827,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Fast Food and Counter Worker?
Most Fast Food and Counter Worker roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Fast Food and Counter Worker?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Fast Food and Counter Worker career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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