Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Eastern Washington

In Eastern Washington, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $35,920, with a median hourly wage of $17.27. This figure is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,480 per year according to BLS OEWS data from May 2025. When compared to local household incomes in Eastern Washington, fast food and counter worker earnings align closely with lower to middle-income brackets, reflecting their role as an entry-level position within the broader labor market. The variation in earnings is evident across different percentiles, where workers at the 10th percentile earn approximately $34,150 annually, while those at the 75th percentile make about $36,890.

The disparity between earnings for entry-level and experienced fast food and counter workers can be attributed to several factors including tenure, skill level, and hours worked. Entry-level employees often start at or near the lower end of the pay scale, around the 10th percentile at approximately $34,150 annually. In contrast, those with more experience who may have advanced skills or hold supervisory roles can earn up to the 90th percentile, reaching annual salaries as high as $44,090. Factors driving these differences include years of service, demonstrated performance, and additional responsibilities such as shift management or specialized tasks that require a higher level of expertise.