What are the most popular McDonald’s positions?

Whether you're looking for a part-time job or full-time work, McDonald’s is one of the most recognized names in the quick-service restaurant industry.

McDonald's employs around 200,000 people worldwide. And your local McDonald's restaurant could be hiring now.

If you enjoy working in a team, serving food, and interacting with the public, McDonald’s likely has the perfect position to fit your lifestyle.

It's a fast-paced work environment, and there are many different entry-level positions available. The fast-food giant has a range of benefits for eligible employees, staff training, and opportunities for promotion.

If you're ready to work in the foodservice industry, check out these popular McDonald’s positions.

What is McDonald’s?

McDonald's first opened in 1940 in California and is now a household name. These days, the popular burger chain sells much more than just burgers, shakes, and fries. The menu now includes chicken, wraps, salads, coffee, and dessert.

You're probably familiar with McDonald's world-famous Big Mac. But did you know there are over 36,000 McDonald's restaurants in over 100 nations?

The McDonald's corporation is currently trying to be more environmentally friendly. Right now, up to 78% of McDonald's packaging comes from renewable and recycled sources. They try to use sustainable agriculture and beef, and the company plays a role in forest conservation.

Why should you apply for a job at McDonald’s?

McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer. The brand has a diverse workforce and promotes inclusion and teamwork in its busy restaurants.

Job seekers can start work as crew members and gain valuable hospitality experience. The average salary for a crew member is $10 per hour.

It’s a company that supports its team with leadership and training opportunities. If you want to continue studying, McDonald’s offers eligible employees tuition assistance.

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It’s a safe place to work with strict health and safety policies. And most restaurants will give you flexible hours to fit around your other commitments. Plus, you'll get free meals and an employee discount for items on its famous food menu.

You can expect a friendly, fast-paced workplace.

What skills do you need to work at McDonald’s?

The minimum age requirement to work at McDonald's can vary between states. But most restaurants expect you to be at least 14 years old. You should have a high school diploma or be working toward one.

You'll need a positive attitude and good time management skills. McDonald's employees need to be friendly and customer-focused, and they should have basic math skills.

New employees learn how to use the cash register, serve customers, and prepare food on the job. But if you've had previous experience, it may be beneficial.

What are the top McDonald’s jobs?

Let’s take a look at the most popular McDonald’s job titles:

1. McDonald's crew member

Crew members work in the kitchen and the drive-thru. Crew team members earn between $8–$10 an hour, depending on the restaurant's location. States with lower minimum wages will likely see the hourly wage closer to $8 an hour.

The crew member job description includes greeting customers with a smile and accurately taking customer orders.

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They prepare food and make sure the restaurant is clean and tidy. Crew members work with other team members and the restaurant manager to meet goals during the shift.

And they make sure all items are well stocked.

2. McDonald's cashier

Cashiers take customer orders and process cash and card payments. They give customers change and help with self-order kiosks. Cashiers earn $8–$14 an hour, depending on the location.

The main duties of a cashier include giving customers fast and efficient service, taking orders, and inputting the orders into the computer system.

Cashiers assemble orders on trays or into bags, depending on the order type. Sometimes, they need to process large orders for events.

3. McDonald's cook

Cooks work in the kitchen and prepare orders for customers. They make between $9–$13 an hour, depending on the location.

McDonald’s cooks prepare meals during breakfast, lunch, and dinner rush hours. They follow recipes with great attention to detail and apply food safety principles.

Cooks communicate with cashiers, crew members, and shift managers.

4. McDonald's shift manager

Shift managers provide leadership to their crew and other managers to provide high-quality service and cleanliness to customers. Shift managers make between $8–$17 an hour, depending on the location.

A McDonald's shift manager's goal is to make sure customers have a great experience every time they visit.

Shift managers are responsible for food safety, internal communication, and scheduling.

What do McDonald’s department managers do?

McDonald's managers lead shifts every week, making sure customers get a fast, accurate, and friendly experience.

But some managers also lead departments. These managers’ responsibilities may include managing assigned systems.

These systems include training, food safety, and inventory management. They set goals and delegate tasks to their teams.

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Managers follow up and report results back to their team and senior management.

Here are the specific duties for the various departments:

Guest service department manager

Guest service department managers make sure their teams deliver great customer service. They manage sales promotions and track their progress.

They’re experienced in service procedures and help to train the service team. These managers make sure the front counter, McCafé, and drive-thru areas are organized for the best service.

Guest service managers earn up to $16.50 an hour, depending on location.

Kitchen department manager

Kitchen department managers make sure the restaurant delivers great quality food to customers. They’re responsible for checking that food is always safe and that costs are controlled.

They train kitchen staff in production procedures, including new items that are added to the menu. These managers earn $10–$15 an hour, depending on location.

People department manager

People department managers make sure the restaurant hires qualified crew members.

They train them well and prepare them to meet restaurant sales and profit goals.

This manager’s responsibilities may also include making sure the new crew members get off to a good start at the restaurant. And they recognize and motivate their team.

People department managers make $10–$15 an hour, depending on location.

Where can you apply for a job at McDonald’s?

Considering an employment opportunity at McDonald's? If you're ready to start the application process, you can begin your job search on our job board.

Browse McDonald's job openings.

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Getting a job at McDonald’s

If you want to work at McDonald's, you'll get an employee discount, flexible hours, and help with your college tuition.

It's a fast-paced environment, and you'll learn on the job. Employees can gain skills in customer service, cash handling, and food preparation.

There is a range of positions available, including entry-level positions. Some of the top jobs include crew members, cashiers, cooks, and shift managers.

For those ready for a management position, roles include guest service department managers, kitchen department managers, and people department managers.

Want more jobs? We have a database of local vacancies on our job board. Or you can visit our Getting Hired Resource Center for more job seeker tips.