Yes, McDonald's does pay $15 an hour or more for certain positions and can pay up to $17 an hour for crew members, depending on the role and restaurant location.
Understanding McDonald's Wage Structure
The compensation at McDonald's can vary based on several factors, including the specific role, the restaurant's location, and whether it is a company-owned or franchised establishment. In 2021, significant adjustments were made to the pay scales in McDonald's-owned restaurants to boost wages.
Wage Increases in Company-Owned Restaurants
In 2021, McDonald's-owned restaurants saw an average wage increase of 10 percent. This adjustment aimed to enhance the earning potential for employees across different roles.
Pay Ranges by Position
The updated pay structure established specific hourly wage ranges for crew members and shift managers:
- Crew Members: The entry-level hourly wage range for crew members was set to at least $11 to $17 per hour. This means while some may start at $11, others can begin or progress to $15 or more, up to $17.
- Shift Managers: For shift managers, the starting hourly wage range was established at at least $15 to $20 per hour. This confirms that shift managers consistently start at $15 an hour or higher.
The actual wage within these ranges is influenced by factors such as the specific restaurant's location and possibly an employee's experience.
Summary of Hourly Pay Ranges (as of 2021 for company-owned restaurants):
| Position | Hourly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Crew Members | At least $11 - $17 |
| Shift Managers | At least $15 - $20 |
It's important to note that these figures specifically applied to McDonald's-owned restaurants, as individual franchised locations may have different pay scales based on local market conditions and their own compensation policies. Therefore, while $15 is a achievable wage at McDonald's, particularly for shift managers and experienced crew, it is not a universal starting wage for every entry-level position across all locations.
