Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Retail Salespersons: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Retail Salespersons professionals earn $4,100 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 13.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $47,930 for Retail Salespersons.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$22,620$47,930
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Retail Salespersons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $25,600 | $-2,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $29,140 | $-1,990 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $34,580 | $-4,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $37,850 | $-2,410 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $47,930 | $-9,130 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $37,150 | $-5,800 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
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 Retail Salespersons
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $42,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,180 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $37,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $37,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $4,100 (13.5% 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 Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons 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 Retail Salespersons earns $34,580. 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