How much does a drive-thru operator make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this role under Fast Food and Counter Workers (SOC 35-3023). In its May 2025 wage survey, the national median was $15.00 an hour, or about $31,200 a year for full-time work, across roughly 3,854,050 people employed nationally. The middle of the market sits between $10.98 at the 10th percentile and $20.51 at the 90th.
Drive-Thru Operator pay in Boston
In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, the median for fast food and counter workers was $17.45 an hour ($36,290a year), reflecting Massachusetts' higher minimum wage and cost of living.
What moves the number
Drive-thru operator pay is mostly an hourly wage shaped by local minimum wage rules, the brand, and how competitive hiring is in the area. High-volume locations and late-night shifts may pay more. Strong speed and accuracy can lead to raises and faster promotion into lead roles.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. BLS figures for tipped roles may not capture all tip income. The BLS category is the closest official match for this role, not an exact one.
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