Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers professionals earn $45,810 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 150.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $115,280 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$47,640 – $115,280
$22,620$115,280
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $47,640 | $-25,020 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $58,980 | $-31,830 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $76,290 | $-45,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $97,190 | $-61,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $115,280 | $-76,480 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $79,320 | $-47,970 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
666,990
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 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $150,650 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $115,630 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $114,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $112,630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $45,810 (150.3% 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 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries range from $47,640 (10th percentile) to $115,280 (90th percentile), with a median of $76,290.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 666,990 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 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 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns $76,290. 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