The Shocking Truth: How Much Do In-N-Out Employees REALLY Make In 2024? (The $23/Hour Starting Wage Explained)

In-N-Out Burger has long been an outlier in the fast-food industry, consistently offering wages that far exceed the federal minimum. As of late 2024, the company has solidified its reputation as a top-tier employer, particularly in California, where new legislation has pushed the starting hourly wage to an unprecedented $22 to $23 per hour. This significant pay increase is a direct result of the state's new minimum wage law for large fast-food chains, yet In-N-Out's commitment to competitive compensation is a long-standing core philosophy that extends across all its operational states, from Texas to Utah. This deep dive uncovers the true financial picture for In-N-Out employees, from new Level 1 Associates to seasoned Store Managers, providing the most current and comprehensive salary data available. We will break down the hourly pay scale, the lucrative annual salaries for management, and the surprisingly robust benefits package that helps In-N-Out retain its high-quality workforce and maintain its legendary customer service.

A Breakdown of In-N-Out Employee Pay: Hourly Wages and Regional Differences

The pay structure at In-N-Out Burger is tiered, based on an associate's level of training, experience, and location. While the company's general average hourly pay across the United States is already competitive, the recent changes in California have created a distinct regional pay gap.

Starting Hourly Wages: The California Effect

The most significant and current piece of information regarding In-N-Out's pay scale centers on its California locations.

• California Starting Wage (2024): Following the implementation of the state's new fast-food minimum wage law in April 2024, the starting hourly wage for a Level 1 Associate at California In-N-Out restaurants is now between $22 and $23 per hour.
• Impact on Levels: Historically, associates advance through different levels (Level 1, 2, 3, etc.), earning a raise with each promotion. While the base rate has surged, some reports suggest that a Level 3 Associate in California might currently earn around $22.50, indicating the pay differential between initial levels has narrowed but the base pay remains extremely high.

General Associate Hourly Rate (Non-California & Overall US)

For locations outside of California—such as in Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah—the hourly rate is still highly competitive compared to other fast-food chains, though lower than the new California mandate.

• General Hourly Range: Overall, In-N-Out Associates in the US are reported to earn an average hourly wage that can range from $18.70 to $24.80 per hour, depending on the role, experience, and location.
• US Average: As of early 2024, the average hourly pay for an In-N-Out employee was reported to be around $20.99, with some estimates projecting the average to reach $24.00 by December 2025.
• Texas Compensation: While specific hourly rates are less public, the annual salary range for In-N-Out Associates in Texas is generally lower than the new California hourly rate would imply, highlighting the regional cost of living and legislative differences.

The Lucrative Path: In-N-Out Management Salaries

The most financially rewarding career path at In-N-Out is, unsurprisingly, management. The company is renowned for promoting from within, and the salaries for Store Managers are often cited as being among the highest in the entire fast-food sector. The salary figures for management roles vary based on the source and estimation methodology, but they consistently reflect a highly competitive compensation package.

Estimated Annual Salaries by Position:

The following figures represent estimated annual salaries for key management roles at In-N-Out, showcasing the substantial earning potential for long-term employees:

• Store Manager/General Manager: This is where the compensation truly shines. While some estimates place the average annual salary closer to $90,646, other sources suggest that a General Manager is typically salaried and can earn well into the six figures, with Operations Managers potentially earning an estimated $114,000 annually (including base salary and bonus).
• Assistant Manager: The estimated annual salary for an Assistant Manager is around $48,351.
• Shift Leader/Supervisor: These entry-level management roles offer annual earnings ranging from approximately $36,747 to $37,563.

The company’s philosophy is to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, recognizing that a well-paid and satisfied management team is essential for maintaining the high standards of quality and customer service that In-N-Out is famous for.

Beyond the Paycheck: In-N-Out's Comprehensive Employee Benefits

A significant part of the total compensation package at In-N-Out is the extensive list of benefits, which is often far more generous than what is offered by competitors in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space. These benefits contribute significantly to the company's low turnover rate and strong reputation as an employer.

Full-Time and Part-Time Benefits

In-N-Out offers a robust suite of benefits, with many options available even to part-time associates, a rarity in the industry.

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• Health and Wellness: Full-time associates receive comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Retirement Planning: The company provides a 401(k) Plan, which is a major draw for long-term career planning.
• Financial Security:
  • Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is Company Paid.
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D, Critical Illness Insurance, and Accident Insurance are also offered.
• Paid Time Off: Associates receive paid holidays and vacations, supporting a better work-life balance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs are available for corporate and full-time associates.

This commitment to employee welfare—from high starting wages to comprehensive benefits—is a foundational element of the "In-N-Out philosophy." The company believes that serving a high-quality product in a clean environment is only possible with a well-compensated, motivated, and highly trained workforce. This approach to In-N-Out employee compensation stands as a clear differentiator in the competitive fast-food industry.