Electrical 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?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn $81,430 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 267.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Electrical Engineers earns $175,460 compared to $38,800 for Fast Food and Counter Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Electrical Engineers$74,670 – $175,460
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
$22,620$175,460
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Electrical Engineers | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,670 | $22,620 | +$52,050 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,590 | $27,150 | +$60,440 |
| Median (50th) | $111,910 | $30,480 | +$81,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,630 | $35,440 | +$106,190 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,460 | $38,800 | +$136,660 |
| Mean (Average) | $120,980 | $31,350 | +$89,630 |
Employment Numbers
Electrical Engineers
188,790
employed nationwide
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $186,920 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $163,840 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $136,820 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $135,480 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $134,900 |
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: Electrical Engineers or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $81,430 (267.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Electrical Engineers?
Electrical Engineers salaries range from $74,670 (10th percentile) to $175,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $111,910.
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 Electrical Engineers and Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 188,790 Electrical 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 Electrical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Electrical Engineers has a median salary of $111,910 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