McDonald’s announced on Monday that it plans to hire up to 375,000 restaurant workers across the U.S. this summer — marking its largest seasonal hiring effort in years.
The fast-food giant, based in Chicago, says the increase in job openings is partially driven by its ongoing U.S. expansion. With over 13,500 U.S. locations currently, McDonald’s aims to open 900 additional restaurants by 2027.
To make the announcement, U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer joined McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger at a location near Columbus, Ohio.
“McDonald’s is creating economic momentum for its workers, communities, and the broader economy,” said Chavez-DeRemer. “By growing its workforce, the company is encouraging investment and serving as a model for industry-wide growth—whether it's a stepping stone to another career or a path to advancement within the company.”
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McDonald’s emphasized that the roles are intended to be permanent, though its overall workforce likely won’t exceed 1.1 million employees due to regular staff turnover.
The company last undertook a major summer hiring campaign in 2020, when it planned to recruit 260,000 employees as it reopened locations closed early in the pandemic.
This year’s hiring push reflects optimism that customer traffic at U.S. restaurants will pick up as 2025 progresses.
However, in the first quarter of this year, McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales fell by 3.6% — the steepest drop since early 2020 — as inflation-weary lower- and middle-income customers spent less on fast food.
Despite the dip, McDonald’s isn’t alone in its positive outlook. According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants and bars in the U.S. added over 46,000 jobs in March and April. Chipotle also announced earlier this year its plans to hire 20,000 workers.
Overall job growth remains steady, with 177,000 jobs added in April across the U.S., even amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Monday’s announcement also highlighted the 10th anniversary of McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity initiative. The program has provided educational support — including tuition assistance, English language training, and career services — to over 90,000 employees. So far, the program has awarded $240 million in tuition assistance.
Anamaria Monterroso, who has worked at McDonald’s for eight years, said the program is helping her become the first in her family to earn a college degree. She’s currently pursuing a degree in human resources at Colorado Technical University.
“Working in fast food doesn’t mean your aspirations have to stop,” Monterroso said.