Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Nurse Practitioners: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn $98,730 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 323.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $169,950 for Nurse Practitioners.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Nurse Practitioners$97,960 – $169,950
$22,620$169,950
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Nurse Practitioners | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $97,960 | $-75,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $109,940 | $-82,790 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $129,210 | $-98,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $149,570 | $-114,130 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $169,950 | $-131,150 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $132,000 | $-100,650 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Nurse Practitioners
307,390
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 Nurse Practitioners
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $225,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $220,330 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $164,520 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $164,510 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $162,470 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $98,730 (323.9% 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 Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners salaries range from $97,960 (10th percentile) to $169,950 (90th percentile), with a median of $129,210.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Nurse Practitioners jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 307,390 Nurse Practitioners positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Nurse Practitioners 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 Nurse Practitioners earns $129,210. 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