Fast Food and Counter Workers
Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.
Common Job Titles
- Cafe Server
- Cafeteria Server
- Food Service Assistant
- Food Service Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onCoordinate multiple orders and service tasks while maintaining speed and accuracy during peak business hours.Proficient
- MindsetEngage customers to accurately fulfill food and beverage orders at counter or drive-through service points in fast-paced environments.Developing
- KnowledgeApply customer service protocols and food safety procedures when handling orders, payment processing, and food preparation.Developing
- Hands-onOperate point of sale systems and cash registers to process transactions accurately including cash, credit, and barcode scanning.Developing
- Hands-onPerform food preparation tasks using commercial kitchen equipment including fryers, grills, blenders, and microwaves following standardized recipes.Developing
- KnowledgeCompute order totals and cash transactions using basic mathematics to provide accurate change and balance registers.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer inquiries and concerns about menu items and orders with courtesy and attentiveness during high-volume service periods.Developing
- KnowledgeApply food production and safety standards when preparing, assembling, and serving items from steam tables or service counters.Developing
- KnowledgeMonitor food inventory levels and equipment operation to ensure adequate supplies and identify needs for restocking or maintenance.Developing
- MindsetParticipate in team coordination and communication with kitchen and service staff to maintain workflow efficiency and resolve service issues.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Fast Food and Counter Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,780,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $22,620. 25th percentile: U.S. $27,150. 50th percentile: U.S. $30,480. 75th percentile: U.S. $35,440. 90th percentile: U.S. $38,800. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $22,620 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $38,800 |
| Workers on average earn | $31,350 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Food Production4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
Technology Skills
- Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants Pro
- Compris software
- Foodman Home-Delivery
- Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
- MICROS Systems HSI Profits Series
- Menu and nutrition database software
- NCR Advanced Checkout Solution
- NCR NeighborhoodPOS
Tools & Equipment
- Automatic dicers
- Automatic peelers
- Automatic slicers
- Barcode scanners
- Blenders
- Broilers
- Can openers
- Cappuccino makers