Research Summary. The Zippia data team has leveraged a combination of public government data, company resources, and extensive analysis of thousands of job postings to create accurate average salary estimates for crew member positions across the United States. This updated data set identifies the highest-paying crew member roles based on their average annual salaries, reflecting the evolving job market in 2026.
Here’s a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paying crew member roles:
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Crew Trainer ranks as the highest-paid crew member, with an average salary of $53,128 and an hourly rate of $25.54.
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Following closely is the Associate Food Scientist, earning an average salary of $43,865.
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The overall average salary for crew members is $28,946 per year, translating to an hourly wage of $13.92.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Deciding on a career path can be challenging. While salary should not be the sole consideration, it is undoubtedly a critical factor. Understanding the highest-paying crew member roles can assist you in planning your career trajectory effectively.
Here are the top salaries for various crew member jobs:
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Crew Trainer
Average Salary: $53,128
A Crew Trainer plays a vital role in onboarding new staff and ensuring smooth daily operations. Their responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service, managing staff performance, distributing tasks, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards, and demonstrating strong time-management and leadership skills.
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Associate Food Scientist
Average Salary: $43,865
The role of an Associate Food Scientist involves developing and refining recipes, ensuring product quality, conducting market analysis, and maintaining comprehensive recipe documentation. They may also oversee packaging processes to ensure food safety and compliance.
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Lead Crew Member
Average Salary: $32,857
A Lead Crew Member supervises staff to ensure exceptional customer service and operational efficiency. They are responsible for food safety practices, maintaining hygiene standards, and supporting the team during busy periods.
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Food Handler
Average Salary: $32,581
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Fast Food Cashier
Average Salary: $31,913
Below is a comprehensive table of the highest-paying crew member positions, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Crew Members
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crew Trainer | |
| 2 | Associate Food Scientist | |
| 3 | Lead Crew Member | |
| 4 | Food Handler | |
| 5 | Fast Food Cashier | |
| 6 | Fry Cook | |
| 7 | Order Taker | |
| 8 | Cafe Associate | |
| 9 | Kitchen Crew | |
| 10 | Cook/Server | |
| 11 | Food Service/Cashier | |
| 12 | Line Server | |
| 13 | Cleaning Crew Member | |
| 14 | Crew Person | |
| 15 | Cinder Crew Worker | |
| 16 | Food Preparer | |
| 17 | Pizza Cook | |
| 18 | McDonald’s Crew Member | |
| 19 | Food Prep | |
| 20 | Food Service Attendant |
Methodology
Zippia compiles its salary estimates using publicly available data from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for the most current salary information.
After gathering data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For additional insights into our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Crew Member Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid crew member job?
The highest-paid crew member job is a Crew Trainer. Crew Trainers earn an average salary of $53,128, or $25.54 per hour.
As a Crew Trainer, you will be responsible for onboarding new staff and ensuring efficient daily operations. Responsibilities include excellent customer service, monitoring staff performance, adhering to sanitation and safety standards, and exhibiting strong leadership and time-management skills.
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What is a good salary for a crew member?
A good salary for a crew member is $28,946 or more. Those earning at least this amount are considered above average. However, salaries can vary significantly by location and experience, so it’s essential to research the average pay in your area for your specific role.
If you’re starting your career, keep in mind that entry-level salaries may be lower, and the overall average includes all experience levels.
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Do crew member jobs pay well?
Generally, crew member jobs may not pay as well as other professions. The average crew member salary of $28,946 is below the national average salary of approximately $44,225. However, there are opportunities for advancement, and the top 10% of crew members earn significantly more.
Salaries can vary based on experience, industry, and location, so researching the market rate for your position is vital when negotiating your salary.
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Where do crew members get paid the most?
Crew members earn the highest salaries in North Dakota. In North Dakota, the average annual salary is $33,808, with an hourly wage of $16.25. Other states with competitive salaries include Minnesota, Washington, and Alaska.
Additionally, the cities with the highest crew member salaries are:
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Seattle, WA – $34,968
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Lawrence, NJ – $34,071
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Lawrence, MA – $33,149
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
