Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 68K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$28,600
$13.75/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
-6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $36K
68K employed in Wisconsin
The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Wisconsin shows a median of $28,600 per year, equivalent to about $14 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, reflecting a -6.4% difference. Approximately 67,750 individuals are employed in this sector across the state.
Several factors influence the specific Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Wisconsin. These include the specific employer, the precise role and responsibilities within the establishment, years of experience, and the geographic location within the state. Higher cost-of-living areas or larger restaurant chains may offer more competitive compensation.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,240 |
| 25th percentile | $25,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $28,600 |
| 75th percentile | $33,390 |
| 90th percentile | $36,090 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,458 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,600 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $29,458 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $25,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $28,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $33,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $36,090 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($28,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in WI | $36,550 | +27.8% | $17.57/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in WI | $29,670 | +3.7% | $14.26/hr |
| Cashier in WI | $30,880 | +8.0% | $14.85/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in WI | $34,480 | +20.6% | $16.58/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in WI | $35,000 | +22.4% | $16.83/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in WI | $36,340 | +27.1% | $17.47/hr |
| Security Guard in WI | $37,440 | +30.9% | $18.00/hr |
| Tutor in WI | $37,820 | +32.2% | $18.18/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in WI | $39,400 | +37.8% | $18.94/hr |
| Receptionist in WI | $41,150 | +43.9% | $19.78/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in WI | $45,130 | +57.8% | $21.70/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in WI | $45,970 | +60.7% | $22.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wisconsin is $28,600 annually. This breaks down to an hourly rate of approximately $14, which is 6.4% lower than the national average for this occupation.
What is the typical salary range for this role in Wisconsin?
- Most Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wisconsin earn between $22,240 and $36,090 per year. The lower end of this range represents entry-level positions, while the higher end reflects more experienced individuals or those in supervisory roles.
How does the Fast Food and Counter Worker pay in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
- The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in Wisconsin is approximately 6.4% lower than the national average. This means that the median annual income of $28,600 in Wisconsin is below the national median for this job.
What is the total number of people employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers in Wisconsin?
- There are an estimated 67,750 individuals employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers throughout Wisconsin. This indicates a significant presence of this role within the state's workforce.