Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median annual salary
1,072,540 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education professionals earn $34,100 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 111.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $104,670 for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $47,330 | $-24,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $57,800 | $-30,650 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $64,580 | $-34,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $83,010 | $-47,570 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $104,670 | $-65,870 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $73,700 | $-42,350 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
1,072,540
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 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $103,640 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $103,640 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $99,840 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $99,740 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $99,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education to Fast Food and Counter Workers?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS