Restaurant and Fast Food Crew Member Jobs in the USA

If you are from Africa or any developing country and you are dreaming of moving to the United States, starting a job as a restaurant or fast food crew member is one of the simplest ways to get started.

Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, Chick-fil-A, KFC, and many local restaurants hire thousands of new workers every year. They don’t require high education, professional skills, or years of experience.

What matters most is your willingness to work, learn quickly, and serve customers politely.

In this guide, I will explain what the job involves, how much you can earn, visa options, where to apply, and tips to succeed.

What is the Work Like?

Restaurant and fast food crew members help make sure that the business runs smoothly and that customers are happy. Your tasks may include:

• Taking customers’ orders at the counter or drive-thru
• Preparing food like burgers, sandwiches, fries, and salads
• Packaging food for takeout or dine-in
• Cleaning the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms
• Restocking supplies (napkins, sauces, cups, etc.)
• Operating cash registers and handling payments
• Working with a team to keep the restaurant organized

In fast food restaurants, things move very fast. You must be quick, energetic, and able to work under pressure, especially during lunch and dinner rush hours.

Why the USA Needs Restaurant and Fast Food Workers

The United States has one of the largest restaurant industries in the world. With millions of people eating out every day, there is a constant need for reliable and hardworking food service workers.

Also, many Americans prefer not to do entry-level fast food jobs because they see them as temporary or tiring. This opens opportunities for foreigners who are willing to work.

How Much Can You Earn?

Fast food and restaurant work may not make you rich immediately, but it provides a stable income, and with time, you can grow into better-paying positions.

• Hourly Pay: USD $11 to $17 per hour (depending on the state and company)
• Monthly Pay: If you work full-time (35–40 hours/week), you can earn between USD $1,600 and $2,600 per month before taxes.
• Tips: In some restaurants, especially sit-down restaurants, you may earn tips from customers, which can greatly increase your earnings.

Note: Some states like California, New York, and Washington pay higher minimum wages, while others like Texas or Florida pay lower.

Requirements to Work as a Restaurant or Fast Food Crew Member

The good news is that entry-level food service jobs have very basic requirements:

• Age: 16 years or older (but 18+ preferred for full-time work)
• Basic English: Enough to understand customer orders and follow instructions
• Physical Fitness: Able to stand for long periods, carry trays, clean, and move quickly
• Good Attitude: Friendly, respectful, and willing to learn
• Work Visa: You must have legal permission to work in the USA

Most employers will provide on-the-job training, so you don’t need to have restaurant experience before applying.

Visa Options for Restaurant and Fast Food Workers

Working directly in fast food jobs is a little tricky because they are unskilled jobs, and the U.S. immigration system favors skilled workers. However, there are still ways to get into the U.S. legally and work in restaurants:

1. J-1 Visa (Summer Work and Travel Program)

• This visa allows students to come to the USA during their school vacation to work in fast food, restaurants, hotels, and theme parks.
• Valid for up to 4 months.
• Great for young people (18–30 years old).

2. H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers)

• Some fast food chains and restaurants use the H-2B visa to hire seasonal workers.
• Jobs under this visa include housekeeping, restaurant work, and amusement parks.
• Valid for up to 10 months, can be extended.

3. F-1 Student Visa (Part-Time Work)

• International students studying in the USA can work up to 20 hours a week during school and full-time during holidays.
• Many students work in restaurants to support themselves.

4. Family Sponsorship and Green Card

• If you have close relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you.
• Once you get your green card, you can work in any job, including fast food and restaurants.

How to Apply for Restaurant and Fast Food Jobs

There are many ways to apply for these jobs, either before arriving in the USA or after you are already there:

1. Online Job Portals

Top sites to search for restaurant and fast food jobs:

• Indeed USA (indeed.com)
• Snagajob (snagajob.com)
• Glassdoor (glassdoor.com)
• Workstream (workstream.us)

Use keywords like:

• “Restaurant crew member jobs USA”
• “Fast food worker visa sponsorship”
• “Entry-level food service jobs”

2. Company Career Websites

Many fast food chains advertise jobs on their own websites:

• McDonald’s Careers
• Wendy’s Careers
• Chick-fil-A Jobs
• Subway Jobs
• Taco Bell Careers

Apply directly through their websites. Some companies may even help with visa paperwork if you are already in the U.S. on a legal visa.

3. Recruitment Agencies

Some international recruitment agencies help young people find fast food and restaurant jobs under the J-1 or H-2B programs:

• Alliance Abroad Group
• InterExchange
• CIEE Work and Travel USA

These programs are highly organized and often include visa assistance.

Documents You Will Need

• Valid International Passport
• Work Visa (J-1, H-2B, F-1, etc.)
• Resume/CV (simple format, highlight customer service skills)
• Police Clearance Certificate (optional but recommended)
• Medical Check (sometimes required for visa processing)

Tips for Success

• Smile and Be Friendly: Customer service is very important in the USA.
• Be Fast and Efficient: Speed is important, especially during busy times.
• Wear Clean Uniforms: Appearance matters in food service.
• Follow Safety Rules: Always follow food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Learn Basic Food Preparation: Simple skills like making sandwiches or frying can make you valuable.
• Be Punctual: Always come to work on time.

Bonus Tip: If you work hard, you can quickly be promoted to Shift Leader, Assistant Manager, or even Store Manager within 1–2 years. This means higher salary and better work conditions!

Pros and Cons of Restaurant and Fast Food Work

Pros	Cons
Easy to enter with little experience	Work can be stressful during rush hours
Good for beginners	Pay is not very high at entry level
Opportunities for promotion	Long hours standing or walking
High demand across all cities	Shift work (nights, weekends, holidays)

Conclusion

Restaurant and fast food jobs in the USA offer one of the simplest ways for foreigners to start working legally and earning a steady income.

The work may be fast-paced and tiring, but it is honest, decent, and a stepping stone to bigger dreams. Many successful immigrants in America started their journey working in fast food restaurants before moving up the ladder.

With determination, politeness, and hard work, you can start here, grow your skills, and build a great future in the United States.

If you are ready to take action, prepare your documents, apply today, and start your American Dream!