Are you considering applying for a job at your local Dunkin Donuts? As one of the largest coffee and donut shop chains in the world with over 12,500 locations, Dunkin can be a great place to launch your food service career. But before filling out that application, you‘re probably wondering about Dunkin‘s pay schedule and how much you can expect to earn.
One of the most common questions I hear from prospective Dunkin employees is: Does Dunkin pay weekly? The short answer is that it depends on the specific franchise location. While some Dunkin restaurants do pay their staff every week, many opt for a biweekly (every two weeks) pay schedule instead.
The exact pay schedule is up to the owner of each Dunkin franchise. Some prefer the simplicity and lower payroll costs of running payroll every other week. Others feel a weekly pay schedule is better for employee morale and financial wellbeing.
There‘s really no way to know for sure until you ask about the pay schedule during the interview process. Don‘t be shy about bringing it up! It‘s important information to have as you evaluate the job opportunity. And in my experience, Dunkin hiring managers are used to answering this question.
How Much Does Dunkin Pay? A Breakdown of Dunkin‘s Starting Wages and Average Salaries
Now that we‘ve covered Dunkin‘s pay schedule, let‘s take a closer look at how much you can expect to earn. As with the timing of your paycheck, pay rates at Dunkin will vary quite a bit from one franchise to the next.
According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average starting pay for Dunkin crew members is between $9 to $10.50 per hour. This lines up with the minimum wage in most states.
Keep in mind that Dunkin restaurants located in cities and states with higher minimum wages will have higher starting pay as a result. For example, Dunkin locations in California start crew members at $13 per hour in line with the state minimum wage. Meanwhile, Dunkin stores in Washington state start at $13.50 per hour.
Of course, your earning potential goes up as you gain experience and take on leadership roles within the restaurant. Here‘s a quick overview of the typical pay ranges for common positions at Dunkin Donuts:
- Crew Member: $9 – $11 per hour ($18K – $23K per year)
- Baker: $10 – $13 per hour ($21K – $27K per year)
- Shift Leader: $11 – $13 per hour ($23K – $27K per year)
- Assistant Manager: $12 – $15 per hour ($25K – $31K per year)
- General Manager: $27,000 – $65,000 per year
These wages are on par with what you‘d expect at other major quick-service restaurants. A typical fast food crew member earns around $11 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It‘s also important to factor in the tips you can earn as a Dunkin employee. While you likely won‘t be earning the big bucks in tips like you would as a restaurant server, even an extra $20-$30 per shift in tips can add up over time. I always encourage Dunkin crew members to provide friendly, prompt service to increase their chances of getting tipped.
What‘s It Like Working at Dunkin? Typical Hours, Shifts, and Perks
If you‘re used to a typical 9-5 job, working at Dunkin will definitely be an adjustment. Most Dunkin Donuts locations are open 7 days a week, with many operating 24 hours per day. That means crew members and managers need to be available to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
Some common Dunkin shifts include:
- 5am-2pm
- 6am-3pm
- 2pm-11pm
- 3pm-12am
- 11pm-8am
- 12am-9am
Dunkin considers "full-time" to be at least 32-40 hours per week. However, franchise owners ultimately have discretion over employee hours based on scheduling needs and profitability targets. It‘s not uncommon for crew members to be scheduled part-time when they are first hired, with the opportunity to pick up more hours over time.
The good news is that Dunkin offers pretty good perks compared to other fast food jobs. Most locations provide employees with a free meal and drinks during their shift. Dunkin crew members also get a 50% discount on all food and beverages when they‘re not working. Some franchise owners even offer benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement to attract and retain top talent.
Which Cities Have the Highest Paying Dunkin Donuts Jobs?
If you‘re willing to relocate for a higher paying job at Dunkin, you‘ll want to focus your search on cities with a higher cost of living. According to ZipRecruiter, the top paying cities for Dunkin crew members are:
- San Mateo, CA: $24,806 per year ($11.93 per hour)
- Berkeley, CA: $23,965 per year ($11.52 per hour)
- Daly City, CA: $23,899 per year ($11.49 per hour)
- Richmond, CA: $23,273 per year ($11.19 per hour)
- Stamford, CT: $22,661 per year ($10.89 per hour)
As you can see, California dominates the list of highest paying cities for Dunkin employees. That‘s largely due to the state‘s higher minimum wage and cost of living.
However, it‘s important to look beyond just the hourly wage when considering a move. Make sure to research the typical rent, food, and transportation costs in the city to determine if the higher wages will actually translate to a better quality of life.
Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings and Advancing Your Career at Dunkin
Wherever you end up working, there are steps you can take to increase your earning potential at Dunkin Donuts. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
1. Be flexible with your availability. Let your manager know that you‘re willing to take on extra shifts and work overtime when needed. Managers will appreciate your flexibility, and those extra hours on your paycheck will add up fast.
2. Cross-train in different areas. The more you can do in the restaurant, the more valuable you are. Volunteer to learn new skills like managing inventory, handling cash deposits, or opening/closing the store. Not only will this position you for promotions down the road, but it will help you pick up more hours.
3. Deliver exceptional customer service. Dunkin crew members who go the extra mile to connect with customers and provide great service are more likely to be scheduled during peak hours and busy shifts where tips are highest. A positive attitude goes a long way in the service industry.
4. Take advantage of career development opportunities. Some Dunkin franchises have structured leadership development programs you can apply for to gain management skills and increase your salary. Ask your manager what career growth opportunities are available to you.
5. Consider becoming a franchise owner yourself! If you‘re passionate about the Dunkin brand and have an entrepreneurial spirit, you might be a great candidate to open your own franchise location. Dunkin franchise owners can earn impressive profits in the right market with strong business skills.
The Bottom Line: Is Working at Dunkin Donuts Right For You?
To bring it all together, Dunkin Donuts can be a rewarding entry-level job or long-term career for the right person. With competitive starting wages, opportunities for growth, and great employee perks, it‘s certainly worth considering if you‘re looking for a job in the fast food industry.
Just be sure to ask about the pay schedule and typical hours during the interview process so you know exactly what to expect. Weekly pay is great, but a biweekly paycheck on a convenient direct deposit schedule might work just fine for your budget too.
Do your research on Glassdoor and chat with current employees to get a sense of what it‘s really like to work at your local Dunkin. Company culture, quality of management, and growth opportunities can vary a lot from one franchise to the next.
At the end of the day, how much you earn at Dunkin Donuts will depend on your work ethic, customer service skills, and ability to stand out from your peers. Bring your best self to work every day, and you‘ll be on the path to a successful career at Dunkin or wherever your professional journey takes you!
What do you think about working at Dunkin Donuts? Are you a current or former employee with experiences to share? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check out my other posts on finding and succeeding in fast food industry jobs. Thanks for reading!
