Hourly Wage Earnings at McDonalds in the U.S.: A Comprehensive Guide

As of my last update in August 2023, the hourly wage for employees at McDonalds in the U.S. can vary widely based on factors such as location, position, and experience. Generally, crew members might earn between 11 and 15 per hour, while shift managers and other supervisory roles could earn more, typically ranging from 15 to 20 per hour or higher in some areas. Some locations have also begun offering higher starting wages to attract workers due to labor shortages. For the most current rates, it's best to check local job listings or McDonald's official career site.

The Current Scenario

Despite the variation, the current wage trends are as follows:

For younger workers, 14 to 16 years old, the hourly wage range can be from 12 to 16 per hour in Southern and Central New Hampshire. Adults over 18 in the same region can expect to earn starting wages of 20 per hour or more, with the possibility of benefits depending on the specific franchise. In Texas and Mississippi, the starting wage is typically the federal minimum of 7.25 per hour. Alaska and California have higher minimum wages, at 10.34 per hour and 15 per hour, respectively.

The reason for these different numbers is due to variations in state and federal minimum wage laws. For instance, the state minimum wage in California is 15 per hour as of 2023.

Historical Perspective and Adjustments

Back in 1992, when I was working at McDonalds, the hourly wage was 4.25 CAD per hour. Today, the minimum wage in the U.S. is 14 per hour, ensuring that even someone with no experience can expect to earn 14 per hour if hired. Any wage below the minimum is illegal.

As of April 2019, McDonald's policy in the U.S. for corporate stores was to start employees at one dollar over the minimum wage. This exact amount varies by franchisee. I have seen people starting as crew at 8.50 per hour. This wage policy has since been adjusted in some areas to reflect current minimum wage laws.

Raise Policies and Advancement

McDonald's offers limited raises to crew members, which are usually token in nature. To make decent money, employees must work for promotions and certifications. The wage structure is often tiered, with incremental increases:

25 cents for ServSave certification Another 25 cents for crew trainer Shift manager position starts at 9 (this could be higher in some areas) with additional raises as a swing manager and department manager.

In one franchise, I started at 7.50 an hour and, after graduating college and receiving partial payment from the company for my education, was making 11 an hour as maintenance and getting overtime on every check. On average, this amounted to a raise of over fifty cents per year.

However, it's important to note that wage policies can vary greatly by franchise. My experience was with three different franchises, each with its own policies. The first two franchises I worked for had extremely restrictive and often discriminatory work environments, making it difficult to advance. Switching to a different franchise significantly improved the chances of career progression.

Conclusion and Future Trends

Understanding the current and historical wage trends at McDonald's is crucial for both current and potential employees. The U.S. minimum wage is expected to continue to fluctuate, reflecting economic conditions and legislative changes. It's essential to stay informed about local and federal regulations, as well as corporate policies, to maximize earning potential at McDonald's.