The average Sonic pay rate is $11.24 per hour for crew members and up to $16.74 per hour for assistant managers. Sonic Drive-In employees in leadership roles receive higher compensation. Pay is based on job title, experience, and location.
Sonic Pay Rates by Job Title and Hourly Wages
Sonic Drive-In pays hourly employees between $9 and $17, depending on their job title, department, and experience. Entry-level employees like carhops and crew members earn $10 to $12. Managers receive higher salaries and bonus compensation.
Hourly pay is structured by position:
- Carhop: $9.00–$12.00/hour (plus tips)
- Crew Member: $10.00–$12.50/hour
- Cook: $10.50–$13.00/hour
- Assistant Manager: $14.00–$16.74/hour
- General Manager: $43,000–$55,000/year (salary)
Sonic sets pay using local company benchmarks, job responsibilities, and years of service.
Sonic Pay Rate by Job Title and Compensation Details
This table outlines Sonic Drive-In hourly pay and annual salary estimates by position.
| Job Title | Hourly Pay | Annual Pay (Est.) | Compensation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carhop | $9.00 – $12.00 | $22,000 | Tips added daily |
| Crew Member | $10.00 – $12.50 | $26,000 | Common entry-level role |
| Cook | $10.50 – $13.00 | $27,000 | Higher kitchen pay |
| Assistant Manager | $14.00 – $16.74 | $35,000 | Shift leadership responsibilities |
| General Manager | N/A (Salaried) | $43,000 – $55,000 | Oversees restaurant operations |
Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, Sonic job listings (2024).
This data reflects real employee-reported wages across multiple Sonic Drive-In restaurants and departments.
What Determines Sonic Drive-In Salaries?
Sonic salaries depend on:
- Job title and department type
- Years of experience with the company
- Location and market pay rates
- Completion of training or development steps
- Performance reviews and attendance
For example, a Sonic Drive-In employee with 2 years of cook experience usually earns more than a new crew member. Those in high-performing restaurants often receive higher base pay and more frequent raises.
Weekly Pay and Bonus Compensation Details
Most Sonic employees are paid weekly. Paydays usually occur every Friday, although some company locations may use a biweekly schedule. Sonic carhops and front-line workers receive tips daily.
Bonus structures apply to some positions:
- Assistant managers often receive shift-based bonuses
- General managers may qualify for quarterly bonuses based on sales and staff performance
- Crew members can earn extra for hitting shift goals
These bonus models increase compensation beyond base hourly pay and reward high performance.
Employee Story: From Entry-Level to Management
Tiffany, a Sonic crew member in Missouri, started at $10/hour. After six months, she completed the Sonic training program and advanced to assistant manager, earning $15.25/hour. Her story is common for Sonic Drive-In employees who stay consistent and learn new skills.
Tiffany said, “The company gave me the tools. I just followed the plan and asked for more responsibility.” Many employees use Sonic as a stepping stone to develop real workplace skills and earn promotions.
How to Get Hired and Earn More at Sonic
To increase your pay and grow within Sonic:
- Apply online through the official Sonic Drive-In careers page
- Choose a job title and department that fits your strengths
- Highlight prior food service experience
- Complete all required training
- Ask for leadership opportunities during team meetings
You can also increase tips by learning to deliver faster, keeping a positive attitude, and helping coworkers improve speed of service. This impacts your tips and hourly performance reviews, which affect long-term salary growth.
What Other Benefits Do Sonic Employees Get?
Besides hourly wages, Sonic employees may qualify for:
- Free or discounted meals
- Paid time off (in some locations)
- Health benefits for full-time staff
- Tuition or career development programs
- Bonus and recognition plans
- Uniform assistance
These benefits vary by restaurant owner, as many Sonic stores are franchise-operated. However, most full-time roles include perks that raise total compensation beyond base pay.
Questions We Get Asked the Most About Sonic Pay
These are the questions we get asked the most about the Sonic pay rate and employee compensation structure.
What is the average pay at Sonic?
Crew members earn about $11.24 per hour. Assistant managers earn between $14 and $16.74 per hour. General managers earn $43,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on experience and restaurant performance.
Does Sonic pay weekly?
Yes. Most Sonic employees are paid weekly. Some locations may use biweekly schedules, but this depends on the franchise company.
Do Sonic carhops keep their tips?
Yes. Carhops keep 100% of their tips. Many earn an additional $50–$100 per week in cash tips depending on traffic and customer base.
Which Sonic job titles pay the most?
General managers earn the most. Assistant managers are next in line. Positions with leadership duties have higher salaries due to responsibility level.
How can Sonic Drive-In employees increase their pay?
Stay consistent, complete training programs, and ask for feedback. Taking extra shifts or covering more roles also shows initiative, leading to higher pay or faster promotion.
