If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does Captain D’s pay?”, you’re not alone. As one of America’s favorite fast-casual seafood restaurants, Captain D’s employs thousands of people nationwide—from crew members and cooks to assistant managers and general managers. Whether you’re looking for your first part-time job, considering a career in restaurant management, or just comparing fast-food salaries, knowing how much Captain D’s pays can help you make an informed career decision.
In 2026, Captain D’s pay rates remain competitive with other popular chains like Long John Silver’s, Popeyes, and Red Lobster. Most hourly employees earn between $10 and $16 per hour, while management roles can range from $45,000 to over $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and franchise ownership.
This guide dives deep into Captain D’s hourly wages, annual salaries, benefits, and job roles—backed by real data and employee insights. You’ll also learn how to increase your pay, understand what affects wages, and discover whether Captain D’s is a good place to work in today’s competitive restaurant job market.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect when working at Captain D’s—plus how to climb the ladder from entry-level to management with confidence and higher pay potential.
Captain D’s is one of America’s favorite quick-service seafood chains, serving up classic fried fish, shrimp, hush puppies, and homestyle sides since 1969. With over 500 locations nationwide, the company employs thousands of people across various roles, from part-time crew to full-time management.
Understanding the pay structure at Captain D’s helps potential employees gauge earning potential, plan career progression, and compare opportunities with other restaurant brands.
Average Pay at Captain D’s
Captain D’s pay varies widely depending on your job title, location, and experience level. On average:
Hourly employees earn between $10 and $16 per hour.
Managers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000+ annually.
The following table provides an overview of Captain D’s average pay ranges by position.
🧾 Captain D’s Pay Table (Estimates)
Job Title
Average Hourly Pay Range
Estimated Annual Salary Range
Team Member / Crew Member
$10 – $15 per hour
$25,000 – $31,000 per year
Cashier
$10 – $13 per hour
$25,000 – $32,000 per year
Cook / Kitchen Team Member
$10 – $14 per hour
$28,000 – $36,000 per year
Shift Leader / Shift Manager
$12 – $16 per hour
$29,000 – $35,000 per year
Assistant Manager / AGM
$14 – $21 per hour
$33,000 – $60,000 per year
General Manager
$27 – $38 per hour (equivalent)
$50,000 – $80,000 per year
These numbers are national averages compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, and PayScale reports. Pay can vary by store ownership (franchise vs. corporate) and region.
Factors That Affect Captain D’s Pay
Captain D’s salaries aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors determine how much each employee earns.
1. Location
Wages vary greatly by state and city. For example:
A Captain D’s in California or New York may offer higher pay due to higher living costs.
Locations in southern states like Tennessee or Alabama may offer slightly lower hourly wages but more affordable living.
2. Experience Level
Entry-level team members earn closer to $10/hour.
Experienced cooks or shift leaders can earn up to $16/hour or more.
Long-term managers often receive annual bonuses or profit-sharing incentives.
3. Position
Obviously, a General Manager earns more than a Cashier. The pay hierarchy is fairly structured, rewarding leadership and accountability.
4. Corporate vs. Franchise
Some Captain D’s locations are franchise-owned, meaning the pay and benefits may vary slightly. Corporate-owned stores generally follow standardized pay structures.
Captain D’s Job Descriptions & Pay Insights
Let’s explore each major role in more depth.
👩🍳 Team Member / Crew Member
Average Pay: $10–$15 per hour Role Overview: Entry-level position responsible for greeting customers, serving food, cleaning tables, and assisting with kitchen prep.
Perks:
Flexible scheduling
Employee meals and discounts
Opportunities for promotion to Shift Leader or Cook
Tips for Higher Pay: Show reliability, punctuality, and cross-train for multiple roles.
💰 Cashier
Average Pay: $10–$13 per hour Duties:
Handle POS transactions
Manage dine-in and to-go orders
Provide friendly, efficient service
Growth Path: After 6–12 months of strong performance, many cashiers advance to Shift Lead positions with pay bumps.
🔥 Cook / Kitchen Team Member
Average Pay: $10–$14 per hour Responsibilities:
Prepare seafood, hush puppies, and sides
Maintain food safety and cleanliness standards
Work efficiently during high-volume hours
Why It Pays More: Cooks handle food safety and productivity—two critical aspects of restaurant success.
🧭 Shift Leader / Shift Manager
Average Pay: $12–$16 per hour Duties Include:
Supervising team members
Ensuring customer satisfaction
Handling cash drops and shift reports
Experience Needed: Usually requires 1–2 years of restaurant experience and leadership skills.
🧑💼 Assistant Manager / Assistant General Manager
Average Pay: $14–$21 per hour Annual Range: $33,000–$60,000 Role Overview: Supports the General Manager in hiring, training, inventory, and daily operations. Often a stepping stone to full management.
Benefits Often Include:
Paid vacation
Medical/dental insurance
Performance bonuses
👨✈️ General Manager
Average Pay: $27–$38/hour equivalent Annual Range: $50,000–$80,000+ Responsibilities:
Full operational control of the restaurant
Profit and loss management
Staff hiring, training, and leadership
Guest satisfaction and brand standards
Top Earners: Long-term GMs in high-performing stores may earn bonuses exceeding $10,000/year.
Captain D’s Corporate & Support Roles
Outside restaurant operations, Captain D’s also employs corporate staff in fields such as:
Human Resources
Finance and Accounting
Marketing
IT and Operations Support
These positions are typically salaried, starting from around $45,000 to over $90,000 annually, depending on expertise and seniority.
Employee Benefits at Captain D’s
Beyond pay, Captain D’s offers various benefits to eligible employees.
Category
Benefit
Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Financial
401(k) retirement plan, bonuses
Work-Life Balance
Paid vacation, flexible scheduling
Employee Perks
Free or discounted meals
Career Development
Leadership training, promotion paths
Typical Work Hours
Captain D’s offers a mix of full-time and part-time roles.
Full-Time Employees: 35–40 hours per week
Part-Time Crew: 15–30 hours per week
Peak Times: Evenings, weekends, and holidays
Many employees enjoy flexible scheduling, especially students and parents.
Regional Pay Variations (Examples)
State
Average Hourly Pay
Notes
Tennessee
$11.50/hour
HQ state; average wages
Florida
$12.25/hour
Tourism-heavy, higher demand
Texas
$13.00/hour
Growing franchise market
California
$15.50/hour
Higher minimum wage
Georgia
$10.75/hour
Lower cost of living
How to Increase Your Pay at Captain D’s
Want to move up faster or earn more? Here are proven tips:
Show initiative – Volunteer for extra shifts and tasks.
Complete internal training – Captain D’s offers structured promotion programs.
Request performance reviews – Regular evaluations can unlock raises sooner.
Captain D’s vs. Competitors
Restaurant Chain
Average Hourly Wage
Average GM Salary
Captain D’s
$10–$16
$50,000–$80,000
Long John Silver’s
$9–$14
$48,000–$70,000
Red Lobster
$11–$18
$55,000–$85,000
Popeyes
$10–$17
$52,000–$75,000
McDonald’s
$9–$15
$48,000–$65,000
Captain D’s pays competitively, especially for entry-level seafood restaurant positions.
Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay
Position
Hourly Rate
Monthly Take-Home (After Tax)
Crew Member
$12/hour
~$1,800 – $2,100
Cook
$13/hour
~$2,000 – $2,300
Shift Leader
$15/hour
~$2,300 – $2,600
Assistant Manager
$19/hour
~$2,900 – $3,300
General Manager
$32/hour
~$4,800 – $5,500
(Estimates based on 40-hour work weeks and average U.S. tax deductions.)
Is Captain D’s a Good Place to Work?
If you value steady pay, flexible scheduling, and growth potential, Captain D’s can be a solid job choice. While base pay starts modestly, promotions and bonuses make a big difference long-term.
FAQs: How Much Does Captain D’s Pay?
1. How much does Captain D’s pay per hour?
Most entry-level employees earn between $10 and $16 per hour, depending on the role and location.
2. What is the highest-paying position at Captain D’s?
General Managers earn the most, with salaries up to $80,000+ per year.
3. Do Captain D’s employees get bonuses?
Yes. Managers and long-term staff may qualify for performance-based bonuses.
4. How often does Captain D’s give raises?
Typically, raises occur annually or after promotions.
5. Does Captain D’s pay weekly or biweekly?
Most locations pay biweekly, but it can vary by franchise.
6. What is the starting pay at Captain D’s?
Entry-level crew members start around $10–$11/hour.
7. Do Captain D’s employees get free meals?
Yes, employees often get free or discounted meals during shifts.
8. How many hours can part-time employees work?
Usually 15–30 hours per week, depending on scheduling needs.
9. Is Captain D’s good for college students?
Absolutely. Flexible schedules and part-time shifts make it ideal for students.
10. Does Captain D’s offer overtime pay?
Yes, employees working over 40 hours weekly receive 1.5x pay for overtime.
11. How does Captain D’s compare to McDonald’s pay?
Captain D’s average pay is slightly higher for kitchen and shift roles.
12. Are there benefits for part-time employees?
Some franchise locations offer limited benefits, but most benefits go to full-time workers.
13. Does Captain D’s promote from within?
Yes. Most managers start as Team Members or Shift Leaders.
14. Can employees receive direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposit is available at nearly all Captain D’s locations.
15. What is the minimum age to work at Captain D’s?
Most locations hire employees aged 16 and above.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does Captain D’s pay? In 2026, hourly employees can expect $10–$16/hour, while management earns $50K–$80K annually, depending on experience and location.
Captain D’s remains a competitive employer in the quick-service seafood market, offering solid pay, promotion opportunities, and flexible schedules. Whether you’re looking for a starter job or a long-term management career, there’s room to grow within the Captain D’s family.
