Computer Programmers 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 Programmers professionals earn $68,190 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 223.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $38,800 for Fast Food and Counter Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
$22,620$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $22,620 | +$29,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $27,150 | +$44,710 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $30,480 | +$68,190 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $35,440 | +$93,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $38,800 | +$123,290 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $31,350 | +$72,290 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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 Programmers or Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $68,190 (223.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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 Programmers and Fast Food and Counter Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers 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 Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 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