Civil Engineers vs Fast Food and Counter Workers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $69,110 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 226.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $38,800 for Fast Food and Counter Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
$22,620$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $22,620 | +$43,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $27,150 | +$51,640 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $30,480 | +$69,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $35,440 | +$92,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $38,800 | +$122,190 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $31,350 | +$75,700 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Best Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $42,660 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $40,470 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $38,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $36,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $69,110 (226.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries range from $22,620 (10th percentile) to $38,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $30,480.
How many Civil Engineers and Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Fast Food and Counter Workers to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $30,480. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS