Tennessee ranks 40th of 51 states and D.C. for fast food and counter workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($38,240) by $10,400 — a 37% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,850 to $34,540 — a $12,690 spread, 22% tighter than the national $16,180 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.2% of all fast food and counter workers in the country (84,170 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,850 | $10.51 |
| 25th percentile | $23,320 | $11.21 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| 75th percentile | $30,440 | $14.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $34,540 | $16.61 |
| Mean (average) | $27,790 | $13.36 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $27,840 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $38,240 | +37% |
| California | $37,010 | +33% |
| Washington | $36,820 | +32% |
| Colorado | $35,440 | +27% |
| New York | $35,270 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $35,060 | +26% |
| Vermont | $34,540 | +24% |
| Alaska | $34,430 | +24% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | $27,860 | 68,830 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $28,000 | 690 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $28,010 | 16,690 |
| School Bus Monitors | $27,650 | 690 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $28,030 | 22,820 |
| Telemarketers | $28,110 | 2,380 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Tennessee?
The mean fast food and counter workers salary in Tennessee is $27,790 per year. The median (middle) salary is $27,840 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Tennessee?
Entry-level fast food and counter workerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $21,850 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $23,320 per year.
What is the highest Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $34,540 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $30,440 per year.
How does the Tennessee Fast Food and Counter Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median fast food and counter workers salary in Tennessee is $27,840, which is -9% below national average of $30,480.