Across the United States, fast food restaurants continue to experience a persistent labor shortage that is affecting daily operations, customer service, and long-term growth.
Quick-service restaurants rely heavily on entry-level workers such as cashiers, cooks, and food preparation staff, yet many of these positions remain unfilled.
According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant and accommodations sector reported approximately 986,000 job openings as of October 2025, underscoring the scale of unmet labor demand even as overall employment recovers.
This shortage is especially challenging for fast food employers because high customer volume requires consistent staffing to maintain service speed and quality, making labor gaps more visible to consumers and more costly for businesses.
Government workforce data confirms that demand for fast food labor remains structurally high.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that more than 3.2 million people are currently employed as food preparation and serving workers, a category that includes fast food employees, and projects continued demand due to both industry growth and high replacement needs.
While restaurant employment has increased steadily since the pandemic, the pace of hiring has not been sufficient to close staffing gaps. The National Restaurant Association reports that although the industry added jobs for five consecutive months in late 2025, employment growth remains modest relative to demand, particularly in high-turnover, entry-level roles where fast food operators are most affected.
One of the main drivers of the fast food labor shortage is exceptionally high turnover combined with shifting worker expectations.
In October 2025 alone, restaurants and accommodations recorded 741,000 hires but also 462,000 voluntary quits, highlighting ongoing workforce. Entry-level fast food jobs often offer hourly wages with limited benefits, physically demanding tasks, and unpredictable schedules, making them less competitive compared to roles in retail, warehousing, or delivery services.
As workforce priorities evolve, many workers, especially younger employees are seeking better work-life balance, benefits, and advancement opportunities, which further intensifies competition for labor across industries with similar skill requirements.
Despite these challenges, fast food jobs continue to represent a major employment opportunity and an important pathway for workforce participation, including for foreign workers.
Large chains are actively hiring and increasing incentives to attract applicants; for example, McDonald’s announced plans to hire approximately 375,000 workers nationwide, reflecting ongoing demand for entry-level labor across the U.S.
For EB-3 visa applicants seeking “other worker” positions, these labor shortages signal real demand from U.S. employers willing to fill essential roles.
As restaurants raise wages, expand benefits, and invest in training and automation, fast food employment remains a critical component of the U.S. labor market and a viable option for legally authorized foreign workers looking to build stable employment in the United States.
How Big Is the Labor Shortage in Fast Food?
The labor shortage in fast food is part of a much larger staffing problem across the U.S. restaurant industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the food services and drinking places sector continues to report one of the highest levels of job openings in the economy, consistently ranking near the top among all industries.
These openings are concentrated in entry-level roles such as fast food cooks, food preparation workers, and counter attendants, positions that are essential to daily operations but difficult to fill.
Despite steady consumer demand, the gap between available jobs and available workers remains wide, signaling that labor supply has not kept pace with employer needs.
At the same time, BLS data shows that more than 3.2 million people are currently employed in food preparation and serving occupations, making it one of the largest occupational groups in the U.S. economy.
However, the industry faces unusually high turnover, meaning employers must continuously replace workers who leave.
The BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) consistently reports that food service has one of the highest quit rates of any sector, with hundreds of thousands of workers leaving restaurant jobs each month.
Even as employment levels slowly rise, the constant flow of workers exiting the industry keeps pressure on fast food restaurants and prevents long-term staffing stability.
Why the Fast Food Labor Shortage Continues
One major reason for the shortage is high turnover. The BLS reports that food service has one of the highest quit rates of any industry.
Many workers leave within months due to long hours, physical demands, and limited benefits.
Another cause is competition from other industries. Retail, delivery, and warehouse jobs often offer similar pay with more predictable schedules.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that workforce participation has not fully recovered, which limits the available labor pool for all service employers.
How Labor Shortages Impact Fast Food Restaurants
One of the main reasons the fast food labor shortage continues is extremely high employee turnover.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, the food services and drinking places sector consistently reports one of the highest quit rates of any U.S. industry, often exceeding 3.2% per month, which is significantly higher than the national average across all sectors.
This means hundreds of thousands of workers leave restaurant jobs every month, forcing employers to hire continuously just to maintain staffing levels.
Many workers exit fast food roles within a short time due to long and irregular hours, physically demanding work, high customer pressure, and limited access to benefits such as healthcare or paid time off, making retention a persistent challenge.
Another key factor is intense competition from other industries that draw from the same labor pool.
Retail, warehousing, and delivery services often offer similar hourly wages but with more predictable schedules, less customer-facing stress, and in some cases better benefits.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that overall U.S. labor force participation remains below pre-pandemic levels, meaning fewer people are available to work compared to total job openings.
This reduced participation limits the number of workers available for service-sector jobs, including fast food, and makes it harder for employers to compete for talent even when wages increase. As a result, labor shortages in fast food are not just temporary but reflect broader, ongoing workforce constraints across the U.S. economy.
Why This Matters for EB-3 Visa Applicants
The fast food labor shortage in the U.S. has created meaningful opportunities for foreign workers seeking permanent employment through the EB-3 visa program.
When U.S. employers are unable to find enough qualified and willing domestic workers, they may sponsor foreign nationals under the EB-3 Other Workers category, which is specifically intended for full-time, permanent positions that require little or no prior experience
Many fast food roles, such as food preparation workers, kitchen staff, and counter attendants, fall squarely within this category.
Ongoing labor shortages, combined with high turnover in the restaurant industry, increase the likelihood that employers can demonstrate a genuine and continuing need for workers.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) permits EB-3 sponsorship when employers successfully complete the PERM labor certification process and prove that there are not enough able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the job offered.
Persistent staffing shortages in food service strengthen these cases, especially in regions with high vacancy rates and low workforce participation.
In addition, visa availability for EB-3 Other Workers is governed by the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State, which determines when applicants may proceed with immigrant visa processing
For EB-3 applicants from countries other than India and China, understanding these labor market conditions and immigration requirements can help them better assess timelines, eligibility, and long-term employment prospects in the United States.
How To Fill Fast Food Jobs Through the EB-3 Visa Process
Step 1: The employer identifies long-term labor shortages for full-time positions.
The process begins when a fast food employer determines that it cannot consistently fill full-time positions with U.S. workers.
These roles must be permanent, not seasonal, and typically include jobs such as food preparation workers, kitchen helpers, and counter attendants.
Employers often rely on hiring records, turnover data, and extended vacancy periods to document the shortage.
Persistent job openings in the food service industry are supported by national labor data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows ongoing staffing gaps and high quit rates in restaurant jobs.
This evidence helps employers confirm that the labor need is real and long-term.
Step 2: The employer completes the PERM labor certification process through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Next, the employer must complete the PERM labor certification process, which is designed to protect U.S. workers.
During this step, the employer tests the U.S. labor market by advertising the position and recruiting domestically to determine whether any able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers apply.
If no suitable U.S. workers are found, the employer can move forward.
The process is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, and strict recruitment and documentation rules must be followed.
Approval of the PERM labor certification confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. wages or working conditions.
Step 3: The employer files Form I-140 with USCIS under the EB-3 category.
After the PERM application is approved, the employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This petition proves that the employer has a valid job offer and the financial ability to pay the offered wage. It also confirms that the position qualifies under the EB-3 Other Workers category, which allows for jobs requiring less than two years of training or experience.
USCIS reviews the petition to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met before moving the case forward.
Step 4: Once a visa number is available, the worker applies for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status based on the Visa Bulletin
The final step depends on visa availability and the worker’s location. EB-3 visas are subject to annual limits, and availability is determined by the Visa Bulletin, which is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
When a visa number becomes available, workers outside the U.S. apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate, while those already in the U.S. may apply for adjustment of status if eligible.
Once approved, the worker becomes a lawful permanent resident, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States while helping fast food employers fill critical staffing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the fast food labor shortage in the U.S.?
The fast food labor shortage in the U.S. is primarily driven by extremely high employee turnover within the restaurant industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, food services and drinking places consistently report one of the highest quit rates of any industry, often hovering around or above 3.2% per month, which translates into hundreds of thousands of workers leaving restaurant jobs every month.
Many fast food employees leave shortly after being hired due to long and irregular hours, physically demanding work, high customer interaction, and limited benefits such as healthcare or paid leave.
This constant churn forces employers to hire continuously just to maintain basic staffing levels, making it difficult to achieve long-term workforce stability.
Another major factor contributing to the shortage is a reduced labor supply combined with strong competition from other industries.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that overall labor force participation in the U.S. remains below pre-pandemic levels, meaning fewer people are available to work compared to the number of open jobs.
At the same time, industries such as retail, warehousing, and delivery services compete for the same entry-level workers and often offer similar pay with more predictable schedules or less customer-facing stress.
This competition makes it harder for fast food restaurants to attract and retain workers, even when wages rise, causing labor shortages to persist across the industry.Are fast food jobs eligible for EB-3 visas?
Yes, many fast food jobs are eligible for sponsorship under the EB-3 Other Workers visa category when employers meet all required legal standards.
The EB-3 Other Workers classification is designed for full-time, permanent positions that require less than two years of training or experience, which aligns closely with many fast food roles such as food preparation workers, kitchen helpers, dishwashers, and counter attendants.
These positions are essential to daily restaurant operations and are often difficult to fill due to high turnover and persistent labor shortages in the food service industry.
To qualify for EB-3 sponsorship, fast food employers must first complete the PERM labor certification process through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
This process requires employers to demonstrate that there are not enough able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the job being offered and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. wages or working conditions.
Due to ongoing staffing shortages documented by government labor data, many fast food employers are able to meet these requirements.
Once approved, EB-3 sponsorship allows foreign workers to obtain lawful permanent residence while helping U.S. restaurants fill critical, long-term staffing needs.Is the labor shortage expected to continue?
Yes, government data strongly indicates that labor shortages in fast food and other service industries are expected to continue into 2026 and beyond.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects ongoing demand for food preparation and serving workers due to both industry growth and the need to replace workers who leave at high rates.
Food service remains one of the largest occupational groups in the U.S., and its high turnover means employers must hire continuously just to maintain current staffing levels.
These structural factors suggest that labor shortages are not temporary but built into the way the industry currently operates.
Demographic trends further reinforce these projections.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that labor force participation has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and is being affected by long-term factors such as an aging population and slower workforce growth.
As more workers retire and fewer young workers enter the labor force, service industries that rely on entry-level labor, including fast food, will continue to face hiring challenges.
These trends make it likely that labor shortages will persist well into the future, increasing the need for long-term workforce solutions such as immigration-based hiring programs.Can foreign workers build long-term careers in fast food?
Yes, foreign workers can build long-term and stable careers in the fast food industry, especially when employed through lawful programs such as the EB-3 visa.
Many fast food employers invest in on-the-job training that allows workers to develop practical skills in food safety, customer service, inventory management, and team leadership.
The food service workers can progress into higher-paying roles such as shift supervisors, team leads, and restaurant managers as they gain experience.
These advancement opportunities make fast food employment more than just an entry-level job and provide a clear pathway for career growth over time.
Long-term employment in fast food can also offer increasing stability and benefits.
Many large restaurant chains provide benefits such as healthcare coverage, paid time off, tuition assistance, and retirement plans for full-time employees who stay with the company.
As foreign workers gain permanent resident status, they can move freely within the U.S. labor market and continue building careers without visa restrictions.
The U.S. Department of Labor emphasizes that permanent employment programs support workforce stability and protect workers’ rights.
For motivated workers, fast food employment can serve as a foundation for long-term financial security, professional development, and upward mobility in the U.S. workforce.
Final Thoughts
The fast food labor shortage in the U.S. continues to be a significant challenge for employers across the country.
Despite steady consumer demand, many restaurants struggle to keep locations fully staffed due to high turnover and a limited pool of available workers.
Food services consistently ranks among the industries with the highest job openings and quit rates, indicating that staffing shortages are not temporary but structural.
These ongoing gaps affect daily operations, customer experience, and long-term business stability.
Looking ahead, workforce data suggests that labor shortages in fast food will persist through 2025 and 2026.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that labor force participation remains below pre-pandemic levels and is influenced by long-term trends such as an aging population and slower workforce growth.
As fewer workers enter the labor market, service industries that depend on entry-level labor will continue to face hiring challenges.
These conditions reinforce the need for long-term workforce planning rather than short-term hiring fixes.
For U.S. employers, addressing the fast food labor shortage requires a combination of competitive wages, improved working conditions, and lawful hiring strategies.
While technology and automation can help reduce some staffing pressure, they cannot fully replace human labor in fast food operations.
Immigration-based hiring programs, when used correctly, offer employers a way to fill essential roles while complying with labor and wage protections.
Programs such as the EB-3 Other Workers category allow employers to meet staffing needs when qualified U.S. workers are unavailable, under guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Labor and USCIS.
For foreign workers, the ongoing labor shortage presents a real opportunity for stable, long-term employment in the United States.
Fast food jobs can offer a lawful pathway to permanent residence, steady income, and career growth over time.
By understanding labor market trends and the EB-3 process, applicants can make informed decisions about employment opportunities and timelines.
For both employers and EB-3 applicants, staying informed and planning carefully is essential to achieving long-term success in a changing U.S. labor market.
