Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Industrial Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Industrial Engineers professionals earn $70,660 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 231.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $157,140 for Industrial Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Industrial Engineers$70,000 – $157,140
$22,620$157,140
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Industrial Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $70,000 | $-47,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $81,910 | $-54,760 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $101,140 | $-70,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $127,480 | $-92,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $157,140 | $-118,340 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $107,900 | $-76,550 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Industrial Engineers
350,230
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $139,130 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $136,290 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,790 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $126,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $126,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $70,660 (231.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers salaries range from $70,000 (10th percentile) to $157,140 (90th percentile), with a median of $101,140.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Industrial Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 350,230 Industrial Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Industrial Engineers to Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Fast Food and Counter Workers has a median salary of $30,480 while Industrial Engineers earns $101,140. 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