Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Mechanical Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $71,840 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 235.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $161,240 for Mechanical Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
$22,620$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Mechanical Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $68,740 | $-46,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $81,800 | $-54,650 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $102,320 | $-71,840 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $130,290 | $-94,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $161,240 | $-122,440 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $110,080 | $-78,730 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $147,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,640 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,660 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $126,870 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $124,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $71,840 (235.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers salaries range from $68,740 (10th percentile) to $161,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,320.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Mechanical Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 286,760 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Mechanical Engineers to Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Fast Food and Counter Workers has a median salary of $30,480 while Mechanical Engineers earns $102,320. 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