Last Updated: April 12, 2026
McDonald’s vs Burger King Application: Which Fast Food Job Is Right for You?
Quick Answer: McDonald’s pays $14–$17/hr and hires as young as 14; Burger King pays $13–$16/hr with a 16-year minimum. McDonald’s has a faster application (about 5 minutes) and pays weekly. Both do background checks but no drug tests. McDonald’s has more US locations and a slightly higher Glassdoor rating (3.5 vs 3.3).
Head-to-Head Comparison
Both McDonald’s and Burger King are the two largest fast food employers in the United States. Here is how they compare on every factor that matters to a job applicant.
| Factor | McDonald’s | Burger King |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Pay | $14–$17/hr Higher | $13–$16/hr |
| Minimum Hiring Age | 14 years (most states) Younger | 16 years |
| Pay Frequency | Weekly Faster | Biweekly (franchise-dependent) |
| Application Time | ~5 minutes Faster | ~10 minutes |
| Drug Test Required | No | No |
| Background Check | Yes | Yes |
| Glassdoor Rating | 3.5/5.0 Higher | 3.3/5.0 |
| US Locations | ~14,000 More | ~7,000 |
| Tuition Assistance | Up to $3,000/year More | Burger King Scholar program (varies) |
| Employee Meal Discount | 30% discount | Free/discounted meals on shift |
| Health Insurance | Yes (corporate; franchise varies) | Yes (corporate; franchise varies) |
| Paid Time Off | Yes (tenure-based) | Yes (tenure-based) |
| Career Path | Crew → Shift Lead → Manager | Crew → Shift Lead → Manager |
| Apply Online At | careers.mcdonalds.com | bk.com/careers |
How to Apply at McDonald’s
McDonald’s has one of the fastest application processes in fast food. Most applicants finish in under 5 minutes. Apply at careers.mcdonalds.com or walk in to a location and ask for an application form.
- Go to careers.mcdonalds.com and click “Search Jobs”
- Enter your zip code and select a location
- Choose a position (Crew Member is the standard entry-level role)
- Create an account with your email address
- Enter your availability, contact info, and any prior experience
- Submit — confirmation email arrives within minutes
- Expect a call or text within 24–72 hours to schedule an interview
McDonald’s also accepts walk-in applications at most locations. Teens 14–15 may be asked to provide a work permit depending on state law.
How to Apply at Burger King
Burger King applications take about 10 minutes and are completed at bk.com/careers. Many franchise locations also use Indeed or Snagajob to post openings.
- Visit bk.com/careers or search “Burger King jobs near me” on Indeed
- Select a location and position (Team Member is the entry-level role)
- Create an account or apply with an existing Indeed/LinkedIn profile
- Fill in your availability, prior work history, and references
- Answer 3–5 short screening questions about customer service
- Submit — response typically within 3–5 business days
Pay Comparison: McDonald’s vs Burger King
McDonald’s generally pays $1–$2/hr more than Burger King for crew member roles, and the pay frequency advantage (weekly vs biweekly) means McDonald’s employees see their earnings sooner.
| Role | McDonald’s Pay | Burger King Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Member (entry-level) | $14.00–$17.00/hr | $13.00–$16.00/hr |
| Shift Supervisor | $17.00–$21.00/hr | $15.00–$19.00/hr |
| Assistant Manager | $20.00–$26.00/hr | $18.00–$23.00/hr |
| General Manager | $55,000–$75,000/year | $45,000–$65,000/year |
Pay varies significantly by location. Urban markets in California, New York, and Washington tend to pay $2–$4/hr above the national averages shown.
Which Should You Apply To?
Use the criteria below to decide where to send your application — or apply to both for the best odds.
Apply to McDonald’s if: You are 14–15 years old, want weekly pay, prefer a faster application, or are near more job openings (twice as many US locations).
Apply to Burger King if: You want less competition for positions (fewer applicants per location) or prefer Burger King’s simpler training program.
Apply to both: There is no downside to applying to both simultaneously. The applications are short and each location makes independent hiring decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions job seekers ask when choosing between McDonald’s and Burger King.
Does McDonald’s or Burger King pay more?
McDonald’s pays more on average. McDonald’s crew members typically earn $14–$17/hr, while Burger King crew members earn $13–$16/hr. The $1–$2/hr difference adds up to $40–$80 more per week for a full-time employee. Pay varies by state and individual franchise operator, so always confirm the rate during your interview.
Which is easier to get hired at — McDonald’s or Burger King?
Both hire quickly with minimal experience required. Burger King locations tend to have fewer applicants per opening due to fewer total locations, which can translate to faster hiring. McDonald’s corporate locations are known for faster response times (often 24–48 hours). Neither requires a resume or prior experience for crew member positions.
What is the minimum age to work at McDonald’s vs Burger King?
McDonald’s hires at 14 in most states (with a work permit if required by state law). Burger King’s standard minimum is 16. If you are 14 or 15, McDonald’s is the better option. At 16 and older, both are open to you.
Do McDonald’s or Burger King drug test?
Neither McDonald’s nor Burger King typically drug test crew members or entry-level staff. Drug testing may apply to management positions or distribution center roles at the corporate level. Individual franchise owners set their own policies, so ask during your interview if this matters to you.
Which has better benefits — McDonald’s or Burger King?
McDonald’s edges out Burger King on benefits, particularly in tuition assistance (up to $3,000/year through the Archways to Opportunity program) and a broader corporate benefits package. Burger King offers the Burger King Scholar scholarship and meal discounts. Both benefits packages vary significantly based on whether your location is corporate-owned or franchise-owned.
How long does it take to get hired at McDonald’s vs Burger King?
McDonald’s typically contacts applicants within 24–72 hours and can complete the hiring process (application → interview → offer) in as few as 2–3 days. Burger King takes 3–7 days on average from application to offer. Both are faster than most employers because they have constant hiring needs and streamlined processes.
Related Fast Food Application Guides
Explore more fast food comparison guides and individual application walkthroughs below.
- McDonald’s Application Guide
- Burger King Application Guide
- Wendy’s Application Guide
- McDonald’s vs Wendy’s: Which Job Is Better?
- Starbucks vs Dunkin’: Which Should You Apply To?
About This Guide: This comparison was compiled by the OJA Editorial Team using data from Glassdoor, Indeed, company careers portals, and BLS wage data. Pay rates reflect national averages and may vary by location and franchise operator. Verify current rates directly with the employer during the application process.