📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fast Food Worker Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$26,645
per year
Median
$24,825
per year
Hourly
$12.81
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$19,320
25th Percentile — Junior$22,778
50th Percentile — Median$24,825
75th Percentile — Senior$30,558
90th Percentile — Top Earners$32,885
💡 Top-earning Fast Food Workers in North Carolina make up to $32,885 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$24.1k
2021
$24.6k
2022
$25.1k
2023
$25.6k
2024
$26.1k
2025
$26.6k
2026
📈 Fast Food Worker salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Fast Food Worker Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $25,579 -4.0% High
Raleigh $26,112 -2.0% High
Greensboro $23,980 -10.0% High
Durham $25,846 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $23,181 -13.0% High
🔍
Fast Food Worker Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Fast Food Workers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $26,645 per year, North Carolina's Fast Food Worker salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $19,320–$22,778, while experienced Fast Food Workers can command $30,558–$32,885.

Looking ahead, the Fast Food Worker profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fast Food Worker salary in North Carolina is $26,645 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $29,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Fast Food Workers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Fast Food Worker employment.
  • At $26,645/year, North Carolina Fast Food Worker salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $29,280/year.