SalaryByCity

Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Fast Food and Counter Workers

$30,480

Median annual salary

3,780,930 employed nationally

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$102,610

Median annual salary

199,800 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn $72,130 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 236.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $166,960 for Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.

Salary Range Comparison

Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$60,690 – $166,960
$22,620$166,960

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileFast Food and Counter WorkersSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersDifference
10th Percentile$22,620$60,690$-38,070
25th Percentile$27,150$79,520$-52,370
Median (50th)$30,480$102,610$-72,130
75th Percentile$35,440$131,870$-96,430
90th Percentile$38,800$166,960$-128,160
Mean (Average)$31,350$110,260$-78,910

Employment Numbers

Fast Food and Counter Workers

3,780,930

employed nationwide

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

199,800

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers

CityMedian
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 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

CityMedian
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$165,700
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$139,580
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$131,640
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD$127,940
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$126,430

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $72,130 (236.6% 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 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers salaries range from $60,690 (10th percentile) to $166,960 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,610.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 199,800 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 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 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earns $102,610. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

Career Resources

Career Change Resources

Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.

Professional Certifications

Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.

Online Degree Programs

Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.

Resume Writing Services

Get professional help crafting a standout resume.

Explore More

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS