Fast Food and Counter Workers pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for fast food and counter workers is $14.01 an hour ($29,140 a year). About 10,060 people work in this job there.
That is 7% lower than the U.S. median ($31,200). It is 3% higher than the Iowa median ($28,390).
Pay range for fast food and counter workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $10.51 | $21,870 |
| 25% of workers | $13.26 | $27,580 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.01 | $29,140 |
| 75% of workers | $17.08 | $35,520 |
| 90% of workers | $17.50 | $36,400 |
Fast Food and Counter Workers pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $31,200 | 4,810 |
| Ames | $29,220 | 1,620 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $29,140 | 10,060 |
| Sioux City | $29,090 | 2,060 |
| Iowa City | $28,760 | 2,890 |
| Dubuque | $28,680 | 1,600 |
| Cedar Rapids | $28,280 | 3,590 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $27,820 | 2,500 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for fast food and counter workers
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +5.8% over ten years, faster than average · about 827,400 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Waiters and Waitresses | $20,410 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,070 |
| Bartenders | $22,340 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $30,360 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $33,790 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.