Fast-Food Worker

Print

Work Tasks

• Take orders from customers from behind counters or at drive-through windows
• Pick up the drinks and food ordered and serve them to the customer
• May cook food and pour drinks
• May restock things like napkins, straws, and ketchup, and clean countertops
• Work in fast-food restaurants
• Work with hamburgers, french fries, food items, coffee, sodas, other drinks, paper cups, napkins, straws, cash registers, and money

Salary, Size & Growth

• $19,500 average per year ($9.50 per hour)
• A very large occupation (2,692,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Skills/Courses: Some vocational schools, restaurant associations, and large restaurant chains give classroom training in general food service skills.
• Certification/Licensing: Some states require that fast-food workers have a health certificate that shows they are free of diseases.