In-N-Out Is Restoring The American Dream To Those Without Degrees
Is the American dream really dead? Many news outlets seem to think so. They argue that a majority of today’s youth won’t make more money than their adults, wages have gone stagnant, and the ever-growing income inequality gap have pushed the “white picket fence” home out of reach. More people today would rather spend money traveling and trying exotic foods than eventually owning a home, as prices in areas folks are flocking to shoot through the roof.
In the increasingly competitive workforce, it can seem like the American dream of old is only available to those who can afford college. On average, those without a bachelor’s degree make just over $35,000 annually, and that’s before taxes. The average college tuition these days is roughly $10,000 per year for in-state public colleges, and triple that for private or out-of-state schools. College grads can make at least 30% more than high school graduates on salary, giving them much a better shot at making it in today’s economy.
There are businesses out there, though, that provide a glimmer of hope to those at an academic disadvantage. Companies like In-N-Out are proving that you can work for them and not be stuck living in a van as a tech worker for Facebook or homeless in Silicon Valley as a security guard.
At the West Coast burger legend, wages start out at $13 per hour, much better than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. It’s more than just the pay that makes In-N-Out one of Glassdoor’s top five companies to work for, however. It’s the opportunities for growth that exist within the company and the benefits that come with it. A report from the California Sun reveals that all employees get 401(k) retirement plans, paid vacation, and health, dental, and vision plans.
When it comes to growth opportunities, making it to the role of restaurant manager pays off big time. Becoming an In-N-Out manager is almost like hitting a gold mine, especially in the incredibly affluent and hardly affordable Bay Area (one of the main areas you can find this California burger staple). Currently, the average yearly salary for In-N-Out managers is more than $160,000 per year. That’s over 25% better than the average lawyer or software engineer, including those at Twitter. Take that, Silicon Valley.
This is all from a company that is not just popular and beloved, but also primed for aggressive growth. In-N-Out plans to open 50 restaurants in Colorado soon, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for more people to score this well-paying fast food gig.
Of course, working in an environment like a busy burger restaurant is exhausting and the hours can be long. However, the pay and benefits appear to be well worth it. More than 90 percent of employees on Glassdoor would tell their buddies to come work with them at In-N-Out.
The typical In-N-Out manager achieved such success through traits conducive to making the “American Dream” come true. And they’ve done this despite the academic disadvantage, working their way up to a salary that rivals and even surpasses those that were afforded better societal and economic opportunities. Now, they’re able to make more than even college graduates in today’s rat race.
