These Are the Fast-Food Chains That Will Pay You the Most

According to a recent study by CashNetUSA, major restaurant companies were examined by experts to determine which ones provided the most lucrative entry-level positions. The results of the study may be unexpected.

The research was conducted in the wake of significant developments in the fast food sector, including the unionization of workers and the implementation of a $20/hr minimum wage for fast food employees in California. Additionally, there has been a notable decrease in unemployment, with rates reaching a record low of 3.7%.

According to the research, job opportunities were examined based on location and compared with each other. The findings revealed that Arby’s, a fast food chain, offers the highest paying entry-level job, with a 46.14% higher salary than the average for its region. Arby’s holds the top spot in 12 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota. Following closely behind are Denny’s and KFC, offering 37.27% and 27.05% higher wages respectively.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the top-paying entry-level positions in the fast food industry:

Arby’s (46.14%)
Denny’s (37.27%)
KFC (27.05%)
Red Robin (25.84%)
Red Lobster (25.40%)
Whataburger (24.25%)
Bojangles (23.51%)
Outback Steakhouse (21.39%)
Panda Express (20.99)
Popeyes (19.91%)
Texas Roadhouse (19.67%)
Golden Corral (13.07%)
Domino’s (12.49%)
Burger King (11.69%)
Hardee’s (11.64%)

Map of highest paying fast food restaurants

The research revealed that Arby’s has a high turnover rate of over 200% for its hourly employees. In response to this, the company introduced a system known as “instant pay,”allowing workers to access their earnings immediately after completing their shift. This approach has since gained popularity among other fast-food chains.

In addition to fast food chains, the study also examined major retailers such as Walmart and Costco. The findings revealed that Target ranked as the highest-paying employer, with 79.74% of its employees earning above the average local salary.