How much a job pays is always a huge topic of discussion. In the restaurant industry, there have been lots of changes recently that impact employers and employees alike. Unionization is a major one, along with California’s recent minimum wage increase for fast food workers to $20/hr. Add to that, unemployment is at a record low of 3.7%, according to a recent study by CashNetUSA. 

The study analyzed job listings by region to uncover which major companies offer the highest-paying entry-level jobs in the restaurant industry and beyond. The findings will surprise you. When it comes to the restaurants that start you off with a higher-than-average pay, Arby’s lands at number one with 46.14% of its entry-level jobs paying more than the local median wage. Denny’s is number two with 37.27% and KFC is three with 27.05%. 

The list also includes smaller chains like the Texas-based Whataburger (24.25%) and Bojangles (23.51%), which is mostly popular below the Mason Dixon. It also found that some Arby’s locations are short of experienced staff and have begun offering reduced service. What’s more, the company’s turnover rate for hourly employees is over 200%. In response, Arby’s came up with “instant pay,” which allows employees to withdraw money from their paychecks right after clocking out of work. It’s a trend that’s become popular amongst fast food chains in recent years.

When it comes to each state’s top entry-level restaurants, Arby’s is number one in 12 states:  Texas, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota. KFC and Denny’s both are number one in three states, while Five Guys pays the most in Nevada. Despite Arby’s dominating 12 states, Carl’s Jr. runs Oregon with 99% of its entry-level jobs paying more than the local median wage.

If you’re interested in seeing the full study, click here.