Who pays more? In-N-Out, Shake Shack or Five Guys for Cooks

Olivia Rhye
11 Jan 2022
5 min read

Written by EPHY

If you live in a location with Five Guys, In-N-Out, and Shake Shack restaurants, you are not only lucky but also likely conflicted. Do you prefer the fries at Five Guys, or do you enjoy your fries "Wild Style" at In-N-Out? Shake Shack shakes or In-N-Out shakes? When it comes to compensation, the answer is more clear-cut. Comparing the compensation strategies for cooks at these popular fast-food chains involves several key factors, including job openings, wages, benefits, and the overall work environment. Below is a detailed comparison of these factors for cooks in Las Vegas, NV, working at these hamburger chains.

Las Vegas, NV Talent Demand for Cooks

Five Guys, Shake Shack, and In-N-Out each have five locations in Las Vegas, NV. In total, they employed 115 cooks across all shifts in June 2024, representing an increase of 40 cooks since January 2024.

Five Guys

  • Base Pay: Five Guys offers competitive base pay that varies by location and position. Entry-level positions typically start at or slightly above minimum wage, with opportunities for raises based on performance and tenure.
  • Bonuses and Incentives: Employees can earn bonuses based on store performance metrics such as customer satisfaction and sales targets.
  • Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Training and Development: Five Guys invests in employee training programs to enhance skills and promote from within, offering career advancement opportunities.

Shake Shack

  • Base Pay: Shake Shack offers competitive wages that are often above the industry average. Entry-level positions typically start at a higher rate compared to other fast-food chains.
  • Bonuses and Incentives: Employees can receive performance-based bonuses and participate in profit-sharing programs.
  • Benefits: Shake Shack provides comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Stock Options: Eligible employees may receive stock options, providing a stake in the company's success.
  • Training and Development: Shake Shack emphasizes career growth with structured training programs and clear pathways for advancement.

In-N-Out Burger

  • Base Pay: In-N-Out Burger is known for offering some of the highest wages in the fast-food industry. Entry-level positions start well above minimum wage, often around $15 per hour or more.
  • Bonuses and Incentives: Employees can earn bonuses based on performance and tenure. In-N-Out also offers a generous profit-sharing plan.
  • Benefits: Full-time and part-time employees are eligible for benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Training and Development: In-N-Out places a strong emphasis on employee development, offering extensive training programs and promoting from within. Many managers and executives started in entry-level positions.
  • Work Environment: In-N-Out is known for its positive work environment and strong company culture, which contributes to high employee satisfaction and low turnover rates.

Comparison

  • Base Pay: At an average hourly wage of $13.50, In-N-Out Burger offers the highest wages for cooks in Las Vegas, NV. In contrast, Shake Shack and Five Guys both pay an average of $13.00 per hour. This pattern is consistent when comparing hourly wages nationally.

Las Vegas, NV Cook Hourly Wage Comparison

RangeFive Guys In-N-OutShake Shack
Low$12.00$12.50 $12.00
Mid$13.00$13.50 $13.00
High$14.00$14.50 $14.00

National Hourly Wage Comparison

PercentileFive Guys In-N-OutShake Shack
10th$10.50$11.00 $10.75
25th$11.00$11.50 $11.25
50th$12.00$12.50 $12.00
75th$13.00$14.00 $13.50
90th$14.00$15.00 $14.50

  • Bonuses and Incentives: All three companies offer performance-based bonuses, but In-N-Out and Shake Shack also include profit-sharing programs.
  • Benefits: Shake Shack and In-N-Out provide comprehensive benefits packages, while Five Guys offers standard benefits with a focus on full-time employees.
  • Training and Development: All three companies invest in employee training and development, with In-N-Out and Shake Shack having particularly strong programs for career advancement.
  • Unique Offerings: Shake Shack offers stock options to eligible employees, while In-N-Out is renowned for its positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.

Each company has unique strengths in its compensation strategies, catering to different aspects of employee needs and career growth. However, In-N-Out pays $0.50 more per hour for cooks than both Five Guys and Shake Shack. For hourly workers, this can make a significant difference in deciding where to work and in take-home pay.

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