Computer Network Architects vs Fast Food and Counter Workers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $99,910 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 327.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $38,800 for Fast Food and Counter Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
$22,620$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $22,620 | +$56,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $27,150 | +$74,970 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $30,480 | +$99,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $35,440 | +$129,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $38,800 | +$159,230 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $31,350 | +$104,540 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Architects
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $174,120 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $166,880 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $163,570 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $155,480 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $153,820 |
Best Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $42,660 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $40,470 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $38,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $36,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $99,910 (327.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Architects?
Computer Network Architects salaries range from $79,520 (10th percentile) to $198,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $130,390.
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries range from $22,620 (10th percentile) to $38,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $30,480.
How many Computer Network Architects and Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Fast Food and Counter Workers to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $30,480. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS