Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Denver, CO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Median annual salary $36,310 +19.1% vs national
Median hourly $17.46
10th percentile $31,760
90th percentile $44,130
Employed locally 42,620
National median $30,480

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
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Denver, CO
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    In Denver, Colorado, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $36,310, which is approximately $6,000 higher than the national median for the same occupation at $30,480. This income translates to a median hourly wage of $17.46. When compared to local household incomes in Denver, where the area median household income stands at $102,339, earnings for fast food and counter workers represent a modest fraction of the typical household's financial resources. Despite this disparity, the relatively higher wages within the city reflect broader economic conditions that tend to elevate salaries above national averages.

    The wage spectrum for fast food and counter workers in Denver shows significant variation based on experience levels. Entry-level workers typically earn around $31,760 annually, marking the 10th percentile of earnings within this occupation. Conversely, more experienced employees can earn up to $44,130 per year at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial potential for wage growth with tenure and skill acquisition. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers' wages is driven by factors such as experience, shift differentials (e.g., night or weekend shifts), job responsibilities, and performance incentives. As employees gain more experience, they often take on additional roles, such as supervisory positions, which contribute to higher earnings potential within the industry.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,760
    25th
    $35,100
    50th (median)
    $36,310
    75th
    $37,640
    90th
    $44,130

    Denver economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,339 2023 • Census ACS
    Fast Food and Counter Workers salary vs area income 35% Median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary is 65% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers make per hour in Denver?

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Denver, CO is $17.46, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.36 or more per hour.

    Is Denver above or below average for Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries?

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Denver, CO is 19.1% above the national median of $30,480. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Denver?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $31,760 per year in Denver, CO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,100.