Core Insights - The fast food industry, particularly McDonald's, is experiencing wage increases influenced by federal and state minimum wage laws, with some workers earning up to 20perhour[1][2]−McDonald′shasimplementedaphasedwageincreaseforitscompany−ownedrestaurants,aimingforanaveragehourlywageof15 by 2024 [2] - Recent legislation in California has raised the minimum wage for certain fast food restaurants to 20,reflectingabroadertrendtowardshigherwagesintheindustry[3]WageStructure−TheaveragehourlypayforMcDonald′sjobsnationwideisapproximately13.27, with variations based on location, job title, and experience [1] - In 2021, McDonald's increased wages for its owned restaurants by an average of 10%, setting entry-level crew wages between 11and17 per hour, and shift managers between 15and20 per hour [2] - Franchisees, which operate over 95% of McDonald's locations, have the autonomy to set their own wages, leading to some franchisees in New York exceeding the 15minimumwage[2]LegislativeImpact−California′snewlaw,effectiveApril1,raisedtheminimumwageforcertainfastfoodrestaurantsfrom16 to 20,equatingtoanannualsalaryof41,600 [3] - The legislation aims to improve wages, working conditions, and training for fast food workers, as stated by California Governor Gavin Newsom [3]