Fast food and counter workers
SOC Code: 35-3023Also known as:
Back of House Team Member (BOH Team Member), Bakery Associate, Barista, Bistro Team Member, Cafe Server
Median Annual Salary
$30,480
+6.1% growth (2024-2034)
904K
Openings/Year
3.8M
Current Jobs
What Fast food and counter workers Do
Perform 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.
💰 Salary
$30,480
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
904K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,796,000
Projected Employment (2034)
4,029,200
Related Careers
Food preparation workers
$34,220 •
-3.4% growth
Fast food and counter workers
$30,480 •
+6.1% growth
Food servers, nonrestaurant
$34,460 •
+3.0% growth
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
$32,670 •
+6.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.
- Serve customers in eating places that specialize in fast service and inexpensive carry-out food.
- Request and record customer orders, and compute bills, using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.
- Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.
- Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.
- Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, hotel rooms, and cars.
- Monitor and order supplies or food items, and restock as necessary to maintain inventory.
- Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
- Brew coffee and tea, and fill containers with requested beverages.
- Clean and organize eating, service, and kitchen areas.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fast food and counter workers make?
The median annual salary for fast food and counter workers is $30,480.
What education do fast food and counter workers need?
Most fast food and counter workers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming fast food and counter workers a good career choice?
Fast food and counter workers is projected to see +6.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 904,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fast food and counter workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to fast food and counter workers?
Fast food and counter workers may also be known as: Back of House Team Member (BOH Team Member), Bakery Associate, Barista, Bistro Team Member, Cafe Server, Cafe Worker, Cafeteria Food Server, Cafeteria Lunchroom Counter Attendant, Cafeteria Server, Cafeteria Worker, Candy Attendant, Candy Bar Attendant, Candy Counter Clerk, Canteen Operator, Carhop, Caterer's Aide, Caterer's Helper, Catering Assistant, Catering Attendant, Coffee Attendant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.