Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in East Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $26,580 -12.8% vs national
Median hourly $12.78
10th percentile $21,560
90th percentile $35,020
Employed locally 4,450
National median $30,480

Compare Fast Food and Counter Workers salary & buying power

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Fast Food and Counter Workers
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East Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,560
    25th
    $22,160
    50th (median)
    $26,580
    75th
    $28,200
    90th
    $35,020

    Top-paying metros for Fast Food and Counter Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $42,660
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $40,470
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $38,310
    Napa, CA $38,270
    District of Columbia $38,240
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $38,090

    Related occupations in East Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Waiters and Waitresses $23,400
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,510
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,130
    Food Preparation Workers $26,750
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,900
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $27,390

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Fast Food and Counter Workers in East Tennessee is $12.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.35 or more per hour.

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

    The median Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in East Tennessee is 12.8% below 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 East Tennessee?

    Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers (10th percentile) earn around $21,560 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,160.