Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Colorado
Based on 82K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$36,270
$17.44/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
+18.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $44K
82K employed in Colorado
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Colorado is $36,270 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a more competitive compensation landscape for these roles within the state. The total number of employed individuals in this sector across Colorado is substantial, reaching 82,010.
Several factors can influence the exact Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Colorado. These include the specific location within the state, the employer's size and reputation, and the individual's level of experience and any specialized skills they may possess. Consequently, the salary range can vary, with reported figures between $31,040 and $44,100 annually.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,040 |
| 25th percentile | $33,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,270 |
| 75th percentile | $37,710 |
| 90th percentile | $44,100 |
Top-Paying Industries for Fast Food and Counter Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Fast Food and Counter Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Fast Food and Counter Workers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $38,740 | 390 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $37,820 | 18K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $36,850 | 17K |
| Educational Services | $35,370 | 117K |
| Wholesale Trade | $34,990 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,358 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,270 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,358 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,100 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($36,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in CO | $44,860 | +23.7% | $21.57/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in CO | $41,600 | +14.7% | $20.00/hr |
| Cashier in CO | $36,870 | +1.7% | $17.73/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in CO | $37,950 | +4.6% | $18.25/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in CO | $38,540 | +6.3% | $18.53/hr |
| Receptionist in CO | $42,010 | +15.8% | $20.20/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CO | $42,350 | +16.8% | $20.36/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | +23.3% | $21.50/hr |
| Security Guard in CO | $45,150 | +24.5% | $21.71/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CO | $47,380 | +30.6% | $22.78/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CO | $47,540 | +31.1% | $22.86/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CO | $47,840 | +31.9% | $23.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Colorado?
- The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Colorado is $36,270 per year. This means that half of workers in this role earn less than this amount, and half earn more.
How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers earn per hour in Colorado?
- On an hourly basis, the median pay for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Colorado is about $17. This aligns with the annual median of $36,270.
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Colorado?
- The salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Colorado generally falls between $31,040 and $44,100 per year. This indicates the lower and upper ends of what most individuals in this position can expect to earn.
Is the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Colorado higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Colorado is significantly higher than the national average, exceeding it by 18.6%. This suggests a more lucrative market for these positions within the state compared to the rest of the country.