How much does a fry cook make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this role under Cooks, Fast Food (SOC 35-2011). In its May 2025 wage survey, the national median was $14.85 an hour, or about $30,890 a year for full-time work, across roughly 641,070 people employed nationally. The middle of the market sits between $10.86 at the 10th percentile and $20.63 at the 90th.
Fry Cook pay in Boston
In the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, the median for fast food cooks was $20.00 an hour ($41,600a year), reflecting Massachusetts' higher minimum wage and cost of living.
What moves the number
Fry cook pay generally reflects the local labor market, the restaurant's volume, and how many stations you can cover. Entry-level fry roles often start at the lower end, while cooks who can also run grill or prep tend to earn more. Late-night shifts and holiday coverage may carry added pay.
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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