Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Registered Nurses: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Registered Nurses professionals earn $63,120 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 207.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $135,320 for Registered Nurses.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Registered Nurses$66,030 – $135,320
$22,620$135,320
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Registered Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $66,030 | $-43,410 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $78,610 | $-51,460 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $93,600 | $-63,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $107,960 | $-72,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $135,320 | $-96,520 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $98,430 | $-67,080 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Registered Nurses
3,282,010
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 Registered Nurses
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $188,020 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $169,210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $133,440 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $63,120 (207.1% 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 Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses salaries range from $66,030 (10th percentile) to $135,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $93,600.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Registered Nurses jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 3,282,010 Registered Nurses positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Registered Nurses 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 Registered Nurses earns $93,600. 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