Working at a globally recognized and beloved brand like Five Guys can be more than just a job; it can be a significant step in your career path. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position to gain valuable experience or aiming for a management role in the fast-casual restaurant industry, understanding the compensation structure is crucial. Salaries at Five Guys can range from state minimum wage for entry-level crew members to upwards of $75,000 or more for experienced General Managers, making it a viable and potentially lucrative career choice.
This guide will break down the salary expectations, influencing factors, and career outlook for various roles within the Five Guys organization.
What Do Roles at Five Guys Involve?
The query "five guys burgers salary" encompasses several distinct roles within each restaurant, each with its own set of responsibilities and corresponding pay scale. It’s not a single job but a ladder of opportunities.
- Crew Member: This is the heart of the Five Guys operation. Crew Members are the front-line staff responsible for greeting customers, taking orders, handling cash, and preparing the brand's famous burgers, fries, and milkshakes. They work on the grill, the fry station, and the dressing station, all while maintaining a clean and energetic environment.
- Shift Leader: A Shift Leader takes on additional responsibilities, often acting as the manager-on-duty for specific periods. They handle opening and closing procedures, manage cash drawers, guide the crew to ensure quality and speed, and resolve minor customer issues.
- Assistant Manager: This role is a direct support to the General Manager. Assistant Managers are involved in more significant operational tasks, such as creating staff schedules, managing inventory, training new employees, and helping to drive the store's financial performance.
- General Manager (GM): The GM is the leader of the restaurant. They have ultimate responsibility for the store’s profitability, staff management (including hiring and firing), food safety, customer satisfaction, and local marketing efforts. This role requires a blend of leadership, business acumen, and operational expertise.
Average Five Guys Salary
Salaries at Five Guys are highly dependent on the specific role, location, and experience level. Compensation is typically structured as an hourly wage for Crew Members and Shift Leaders and an annual salary for management positions.
Here is a breakdown of typical salary ranges based on aggregated data from leading compensation sources.
| Role | Typical Hourly Wage | Typical Annual Salary Range |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Crew Member | $12.00 - $17.00/hour | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| Shift Leader | $14.00 - $19.00/hour | $29,000 - $40,000 |
| Assistant Manager | N/A (Often Salaried) | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| General Manager | N/A (Salaried) | $55,000 - $75,000+ |
*Sources: Salary data is aggregated and synthesized from recent reports on Glassdoor, Payscale, and Indeed (as of early 2024). Ranges can vary significantly.*
It's important to note that many General Managers at high-performing stores can also earn substantial bonuses based on store sales, profitability, and quality metrics, which can significantly increase their total compensation.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your potential earnings at Five Guys aren't set in stone. Several key factors can directly impact your compensation package.
### Level of Education
For entry-level Crew Member positions, a high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient. Education is not a primary factor in determining the starting hourly wage. However, for management roles, a higher level of education can be an advantage. A candidate with an associate's or bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field may command a higher starting salary and be seen as a stronger candidate for promotion.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary in the restaurant industry.
- Entry-Level: A new Crew Member with no prior food service experience will likely start at the lower end of the pay scale for that role.
- Experienced Professional: An Assistant or General Manager with a proven track record of increasing sales, managing large teams, and controlling costs at other restaurants can negotiate a salary at the top end of the range. Within the company, a veteran Crew Member who is reliable and highly skilled is often the first to be considered for a promotion to Shift Leader.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A General Manager in a high-cost-of-living urban center will earn substantially more than a GM in a rural, low-cost-of-living area. For example, according to data on Glassdoor, management salaries in metropolitan areas like New York City, NY, or San Jose, CA, are often 15-25% higher than the national average to account for market rates and living expenses. Always research the average pay for restaurant roles in your specific city or state to get the most accurate picture.
### Company Type (Franchise vs. Corporate)
Five Guys operates through both corporate-owned stores and a vast network of independent franchisees. This can impact pay and benefits.
- Corporate Stores: Often have standardized pay scales, benefits packages, and bonus structures across all their locations.
- Franchise Stores: Owned and operated by independent business owners. While they must adhere to Five Guys' operational standards, the franchisee sets the specific wages, benefits, and bonus programs. This can lead to variability in pay from one franchise to another, even within the same city.
### Area of Specialization (Role Within the Company)
In the context of a Five Guys restaurant, "specialization" directly translates to your role and level of responsibility. This is the clearest path to increasing your earnings. As detailed in the salary table above, there is a distinct and significant pay increase as you move from a Crew Member to a Shift Leader, on to an Assistant Manager, and finally to a General Manager. Specializing in leadership and business operations is the key to unlocking the highest salary potential within the organization.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for roles in the food and beverage industry remains robust. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by a consistent consumer demand for dining out.
For management positions, the BLS projects that employment for Food Service Managers will grow 10 percent over the same period. The BLS notes that "about 41,100 openings for food service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade." This indicates a stable and ongoing demand for skilled leaders in the restaurant sector, making a management career at a company like Five Guys a secure choice.
Conclusion
A job at Five Guys offers a clear and attainable career path with significant earning potential for those willing to grow with the company.
Key Takeaways:
- Salaries are Role-Dependent: Your earnings are tied directly to your responsibilities, ranging from an hourly wage for crew to a substantial salary-and-bonus package for General Managers.
- Experience and Location are Major Drivers: Your professional background and the local cost of living will heavily influence your pay.
- There is a Path for Growth: Five Guys is known for promoting from within, offering dedicated Crew Members the opportunity to advance into management.
- The Industry is Stable: The broader food service industry shows strong and consistent job growth, ensuring a high level of opportunity for years to come.
For anyone looking to enter the workforce or build a management career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, exploring opportunities at Five Guys is a promising and worthwhile endeavor.