Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Tennessee
Based on 91K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$27,470
$13.21/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
-10.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $35K
91K employed in Tennessee
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Tennessee is $27,470 per year, which translates to approximately $13 per hour. This figure is 10.1% below the national average, reflecting regional economic factors and cost of living within the state. Currently, there are over 90,000 individuals employed in this role across Tennessee.
Several factors can influence a Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Tennessee. These include the specific employer, the employee's experience level, location within the state, and any additional responsibilities or skills they possess. Wages typically range from $21,850 to $35,060 annually.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,850 |
| 25th percentile | $23,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $27,470 |
| 75th percentile | $29,530 |
| 90th percentile | $35,060 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $28,294 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,470 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $28,294 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $23,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $27,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $29,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $35,060 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($27,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in TN | $36,420 | +32.6% | $17.51/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in TN | $27,760 | +1.1% | $13.35/hr |
| Cashier in TN | $28,590 | +4.1% | $13.75/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in TN | $31,950 | +16.3% | $15.36/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in TN | $32,130 | +17.0% | $15.45/hr |
| Receptionist in TN | $34,910 | +27.1% | $16.78/hr |
| Security Guard in TN | $36,000 | +31.1% | $17.31/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in TN | $36,140 | +31.6% | $17.38/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TN | $37,990 | +38.3% | $18.26/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | +41.0% | $18.62/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TN | $39,570 | +44.0% | $19.02/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in TN | $40,180 | +46.3% | $19.32/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Tennessee?
- The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Tennessee is $27,470 per year. This equates to an hourly wage of about $13, which falls below the national average.
What is the typical salary range for this role in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, Fast Food and Counter Workers can expect to earn between $21,850 and $35,060 annually. The median pay of $27,470 falls within this spectrum.
How does the Tennessee salary compare to the national average for this job?
- The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Tennessee is 10.1% lower than the national average. This means that workers in Tennessee are earning less on average than their counterparts across the country.
How many people work as Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 90,690 individuals employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tennessee. This indicates a significant presence of this occupation within the state's workforce.