Learn how much Does Dairy Queen pay employees, including hourly wages and salaries for various roles. Find out pay rates at Dairy Queen
If you’re stuck in the drive-thru, savoring your Blizzard and wondering, *”What does Dairy Queen pay?”—don’t worry, you’re among friends. This isn’t by choice. Perhaps you’re interested in working at Dairy Queen, or maybe you’re just curious about the fast-food industry salary scales. Whatever the reason, I’m your man. Let’s take a look at the Dairy Queen salary landscape, with a special glance at the Chill Staff positions. Along the way, I’ll also touch on how companies like Dairy Queen benefit from the best merchant service solutions to provide seamless transactions, ensuring your Blizzard gets to you without a hitch. And don’t worry, I’ll spice it up with a little bit of personal anecdote so this ride is as fun as a DQ sundae.
Article Breakdown
My First Fast Food Gig: How My Career Began
Let me start by stating, I have been there myself. My very first job was working at a little fast-food restaurant in my hometown. I remember the excitement of getting my very first paycheck—and the disappointment when I saw how much Uncle Sam took in taxes. But in spite of it, I felt proud. That job taught me responsibility, the value of teamwork, and the value of a dollar.
So when I reflect back at having such jobs as a Chill Staff member at Dairy Queen, I get nostalgic. These kinds of jobs are typically a stepping stone for young adults entering the workforce or for people looking for a part-time job to work in conjunction with school or with the rest of the family.
What Do Dairy Queen Chill Staff Members Make?
Let us cut to the numbers. On March 3, 2025, the hourly rate at an American Chill Staff Dairy Queen is $12.66 an hour. Not bad at all for a starter job, with the added advantage of working in a fun, fast environment (and let’s be real, with a side of ice cream for good measure).
Let us break it down in detail
- Hourly wages range between $9.13 and $14.90
- The 25th percentile (lowest) makes about $10.82 an hour, while the 75th percentile makes about $13.46 an hour.
- The salary scale is relatively low, which shows the limited possibility of salary increase or substantial salary increment for this position in view of having extensive experience.
So, if you have been curious, “*how much Does Dairy Queen pay its Chill Staff?” the answer is simple: it is a good wage for an entry-level job, although you should not expect to work your way up the wage scale very rapidly.
This takes me back to my very first job. I remember working hard, believing my work ethic would be repaid with a higher salary. And it did come in the form of a slight salary increase. The fast food industry isn’t always an industry for quick salary increases, though. And this is okay—these types of jobs are typically stepping stones, not the end goal.
Comparing Chill Staff Compensation Across Locations
Here is the twist. Dairy Queen Chill Staff wages are region-based. While the average for the country is $12.66 an hour, there are cities with much higher wages.
The Top 10 Most Profitable Cities for Chill Staff Dairy Queen Jobs
If you’re willing to pack up your bags and move, you could be earning more money. Below are the top 10 highest-paying cities for this profession:
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nome, AK | $32,676 | $2,723 | $628 | $15.71 |
| Berkeley, CA | $32,253 | $2,687 | $620 | $15.51 |
| Sitka, AK | $31,732 | $2,644 | $610 | $15.26 |
| San Francisco, CA | $31,034 | $2,586 | $596 | $14.92 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $30,936 | $2,578 | $594 | $14.87 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $30,915 | $2,576 | $594 | $14.86 |
| Livermore, CA | $30,898 | $2,574 | $594 | $14.85 |
| San Jose, CA | $30,871 | $2,572 | $593 | $14.84 |
| Dinwiddie, VA | $30,668 | $2,555 | $589 | $14.74 |
| Bend, OR | $30,586 | $2,548 | $588 | $14.70 |
What does it Mean for Chill Staff in These Cities?
So how much does Dairy Queen actually pay in the higher-end stores? Take the Dairy Queen in Nome, Alaska, which pays its employees an average of $15.71 per hour. That is 24% above the national average of $12.66. That just sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? But there always appears to be a catch. Nome, AK, is famous for its off-the-beaten-road location with a high cost of living. So while you will be earning higher wages, you will be paying higher costs for the things in life such as food and housing.
The same could be said for San Francisco or Berkeley, CA. The salary is higher, no doubt, but Bay Area living is notoriously costly. It is a balancing act between the pros and cons.
Is there any expansion possibility?
Here is the twist. Based on ZipRecruiter data, the Dairy Queen Chill Staff salary range is very narrow—2% difference in total. That leaves minimal opportunities for significant wage increases regardless of the years of experience.
This is much like a coworker of mine in fast food. She was with the restaurant for almost five years, assuming her loyalty would be repaid with a manager position. Although she did receive a slight raise, the lack of opportunities for advancement led her to look for other work.
How much Does Dairy Queen payChill Staff, the future also appears equally promising. It is a good job in which to gain experience, though for others with long term ambitions, other jobs such as shift manager or future store manager may be the best option.
Why Location Matters
Location is significant in any profession. The short answer might be to go to the city with the best pay, but look at the bigger picture. So, if you’re wondering, “how much Does Dairy Queen pay, and is it worth the relocation?” let me provide you with an analogy to walk you through it: You’re in the market for a new vehicle. You come across one for $5,000 less in the state next to you. That is a bargain, isn’t it? Then you factor in the cost of transportation, the taxes, the other state’s registration, and the savings don’t look so good after all. The same can be said for job relocation. The salary might be higher, but the cost of living, among other things, should be considered.
My Personal Opinion of Working in Fast Food
In hindsight, I can confidently say working in the fast food industry was one of the most enriching things I learned in life. I learned how to work under pressure, how to get along with others, and how to work with my time. The salary was low, but the experience I gained was worth more than money. If you’re interested in working as a Chill Staff member for Dairy Queen, my message to you is: do it. Whether you’re a student in search of part-time employment or someone in search of a flexible work schedule, Dairy Queen is a wonderful work environment with the added advantage of skills you’ll be able to use for many years to come.
Key Takings:
- So how much does Dairy Queen pay? The short answer is $12.66 an hour average for Chill Staff positions.
- While the salary range is pretty narrow, it is true you can make more in big cities. That said, it is worth keeping in mind the part your location plays in your overall financial position.
- Really, though, jobs such as these are more than just about the paycheck. They’re about laying the groundwork, gaining experience, and finding the worth in hard work.
- Whether you’re scooping up Blizzards or topping off the soft-serve cones, each position is rewarding. And you never know?
- Your Dairy Queen experience may just take you to bigger things—just as my very first job did for me.
Additional Resources:
- Dairy Queen Salaries on Comparably: This resource offers detailed information on average salaries at Dairy Queen, including breakdowns by department and job title.
- Dairy Queen Cashier Salary Data from ZipRecruiter: This page provides information on average hourly pay for Dairy Queen cashiers across the United States, along with salary ranges and comparisons by location.
- Dairy Queen Pay Rates on Breakroom: Breakroom aggregates data from workers to present pay rates at Dairy Queen, highlighting variations by age group and role.
- Dairy Queen Member Salaries in Ohio by Talent.com: This resource provides average salary information for Dairy Queen team members in Ohio, including entry-level and experienced positions.
