Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals earn $7,990 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 26.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $63,460 for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$26,240 – $63,460
$22,620$63,460
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $26,240 | $-3,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $31,310 | $-4,160 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $38,470 | $-7,990 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $51,930 | $-16,490 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $63,460 | $-24,660 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $44,930 | $-13,580 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
481,300
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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $64,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $60,080 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,570 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL | $58,070 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $57,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $7,990 (26.2% 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term?
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salaries range from $26,240 (10th percentile) to $63,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $38,470.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers and Substitute Teachers, Short-Term jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers positions and 481,300 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term earns $38,470. 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