Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 6K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$37,430
$18.00/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
+22.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $47K
6K employed in District of Columbia
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in District of Columbia is $37,430 per year, which equates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting a 22.4% increase.
Several factors influence the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in the District of Columbia. These include the specific establishment, the worker's experience level, and their exact job duties. Additionally, the overall cost of living in D.C. plays a role in determining compensation for these roles, contributing to the reported salary range of $37,260 to $46,800.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,260 |
| 25th percentile | $37,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,430 |
| 75th percentile | $39,050 |
| 90th percentile | $46,800 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,553 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,430 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,553 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $39,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $46,800 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($37,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in DC | $47,850 | +27.8% | $23.00/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in DC | $46,130 | +23.2% | $22.18/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in DC | $38,500 | +2.9% | $18.51/hr |
| Cashier in DC | $38,880 | +3.9% | $18.69/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in DC | $39,640 | +5.9% | $19.06/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in DC | $42,700 | +14.1% | $20.53/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in DC | $47,410 | +26.7% | $22.79/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in DC | $47,700 | +27.4% | $22.93/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in DC | $48,250 | +28.9% | $23.20/hr |
| Receptionist in DC | $49,060 | +31.1% | $23.59/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in DC | $49,680 | +32.7% | $23.88/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | +33.6% | $24.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Washington D.C.?
- The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in the District of Columbia is $37,430. This is 22.4% higher than the national average.
How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers make per hour in D.C.?
- In the District of Columbia, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn a median hourly wage of $18. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $37,430.
What is the typical salary range for this role in D.C.?
- The salary range for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in the District of Columbia typically falls between $37,260 and $46,800 per year. This indicates potential for higher earnings based on experience and other factors.
Is the salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in D.C. higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in the District of Columbia is considerably higher than the national average, by approximately 22.4%. The median salary of $37,430 reflects this significant difference.