Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $102,600 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 336.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $211,450 for Software Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
$22,620$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Software Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $79,850 | $-57,230 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $103,050 | $-75,900 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $133,080 | $-102,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $169,000 | $-133,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $211,450 | $-172,650 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $144,570 | $-113,220 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Software Developers
1,654,440
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 Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Software Developers?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $102,600 (336.6% 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 Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Software Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 1,654,440 Software Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers 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 Software Developers earns $133,080. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS