McDonald’s Is Hiring 375,000 Workers Across the US in One of Its Biggest Recruitment Waves Ever

In April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its “Employment Situation” report, showing that the unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month at 4.2%. The report added that it “has remained in a narrow range of 4.0% to 4.2% since May 2024.” This means that approximately 7.2 million Americans are unemployed. However, that could all change this summer thanks to one fast food chain. 

In May, McDonald’s announced plans to hire 375,000 employees across the U.S., marking one of its largest hiring sprees in recent memory, despite also facing one of its worst quarterly sales reports since the pandemic. 

According to the Associated Press, the jobs will be available at company-owned and franchise locations, largely due to the brand’s plans to expand its footprint by 900 stores by 2027. 

“McDonald’s is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities, and the economy,” U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer shared at a press event alongside McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger at a McDonald’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. “By expanding their workforce, the corporation will be driving investment and setting the standard for industry growth, whether as a launch pad for a different career or as a ladder for internal achievements.”

And while hiring will begin this summer, the company also stressed that these positions will be permanent, according to the AP.

McDonald’s also highlighted its Archways to Opportunity program with the new jobs announcement, a program that provides college tuition assistance to employees, as well as support in completing their high school education and learning English as a second language — all of which these newly hired employees will have access to as well. 

“I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a general manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand,” Erlinger said. “They go above and beyond to take care of our customers, and it’s our job to take care of and create opportunities for them. When you put on an apron for a shift at McDonald’s, you’re building skills you’ll carry with you for life.”

However, the brand also noted that this new hiring spree may not significantly increase its accounting balance, as it often experiences high turnover rates among existing employees, meaning many of these new hires will be replacements for those who leave.

McDonald’s isn’t the only chain to recently announce massive hiring efforts. In February, Chipotle also announced its plan to hire 20,000 additional employees for its “Burrito Season,” which it noted is its busiest time of the year. However, those jobs are typically seasonal, with the “Burrito Season” ending in May. 

Those looking to fill those coveted McDonald’s slots can apply through jobs.mchire.com.