If you are looking for work but don’t have any skills or qualifications, then you might want to consider applying for a job at one of the ten highest paying fast food restaurants in the US. Naturally, wages are low in this industry, despite the fact that employees have been demanding an increase in pay for years, yet some companies do offer better salaries than others.
If you read one of our previous posts regarding the best summer jobs for college students, then you are probably aware that sometimes it’s worth waiting for the right job instead of taking the first offer that comes your way. This is no different in the fast food industry, where hourly salaries can vary drastically. In fact, even among the ten highest paying fast food restaurants, the difference is staggering; you can earn up to $3 an hour more, depending on the firm chosen.
Wages at fast food joints also vary according to the position, meaning a fry cook will certainly earn less than a store manager, so this is also something to keep in mind. Also, huge companies tend to offer far more employment opportunities, yet salaries also tend to be lower. As stated above, fast food restaurant employees never earn much, so even the slightest difference in pay can have a big impact on your budget. Nevertheless, when there is no other option in sight, everyone knows that job opportunities are rarely scarce in this industry, so it just comes down to choosing the right company. Hopefully, the following list of the highest paying fast food restaurants in the US will help make your decision easier.
T9. McDonald’s ~ Fry Cook
$8.07 an hour
Working as a fry cook for McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) might not exactly be a dream job, yet the wage is relatively decent and even higher than that of cashiers. If you don’t mind coming home smelling like burgers, then this might be a good option.
T9. Five Guys Burgers & Fries
$8.07 an hour
Although a crew member at Five Guys Burgers & Fries earns the same as a McDonald’s fry cook, there are some factors that can make a difference. Employees get free food and tips, meaning they can make more at the end of the month.
Eight more, even higher paying options remain in the fast food industry for those looking for work. Check them out on the following pages where our list of the highest paying fast food restaurants continues.
8. Dunkin’ Donuts ~ Cashier
$8.12 an hour
Thanks to a large nation-wide expansion, jobs at Dunkin’ Donuts will be abundant in the near future, meaning lots of employment opportunities. Although some complain about the lousy training program, this firm does offer employees a chance to earn a promotion.
7. Chick-fil-A
$8.16 an hour
One of the perks of being a Chick-fil-A crew member is that the restaurants close on Sundays, which is extremely rare in this industry. The downside? Some workers don’t appreciate having to deal with the firm’s religious values.
6. Jamba Juice
$8.29 an hour
If you want a job that offers a relaxed working environment, then becoming a crew member for Jamba Juice might be the right choice for you. Wages are decent and employees can earn tips to help boost their income.
5. Noodles & Company ~ Noodle Ambassador
$8.31 an hour
Those who like pasta and want a job with plenty of promotion opportunities should look no further. Noodles & Co (NASDAQ:NDLS) offers all these things, in addition to fresh food!
4. Panera Bread ~ Cashier
$8.40 an hour
Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ:PNRA) has not only received praise for its great products, but currently offers some of the best wages in the industry.
3. Chipotle
$8.78 an hour
Not only does Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (NYSE:CMG) offer crew members a solid salary, but also a great working environment. Although the job might get tough from time to time, employees tend to be happy at this fast food restaurant.
2. Panda Express ~ Counter Help
$9.01 an hour
Although Panda Express is known for its long shifts, employees are rewarded with a high salary and various benefits. In addition, there seems to be a lot of promotion opportunities, meaning you won’t get stuck in the same position forever.
1. In-N-Out Burger ~ Associate
$11.17 an hour
If you live in the West Coast and are looking for work, then be sure to apply for a position at In-N-Out Burger. Despite the fact that the job is by no means easy, workers make over $2 an hour more than at runner-up Panda Express!
