Aiming to hire 375,000 workers across its American locations this summer, McDonald’s plans a major growth spurt.
The massive hiring initiative is the company’s largest in years. It comes as the company plans to open 900 more U.S. restaurants by 2027.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Ohio featuring U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger.
Ohio alone is expected to see 20,000 new jobs created through this initiative, providing substantial economic opportunities in the state that helped elect President Donald Trump.
McDonald’s has noticeably aligned with the Trump administration in recent months.
The fast-food giant donated $1 million to President Trump’s second presidential inauguration and has participated in industry meetings with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to discuss topics affecting the restaurant business.
The hiring push represents a strategic move for McDonald’s, which reported $5.96 billion in revenues and a net income of $1.87 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
Despite a 3.6% decline in same-store sales in early 2023 as inflation and economic concerns caused lower- and middle-income consumers to reduce fast food spending, the company is optimistic about future growth.
Chavez-DeRemer stated:
“McDonald’s is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities and the economy. 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.”
The hiring announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary of McDonald’s “Archways to Opportunity” program, which has provided tuition assistance and career services to over 90,000 employees.
The program has distributed $240 million in tuition assistance, helping employees pursue higher education without the burden of crushing student loan debt that many Americans face.
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger highlighted the impact of these new jobs.
He said, “Here in Ohio, that means more than 20,000 jobs. That’s 20,000 opportunities for people to gain new skills. That’s 20,000 jobs where new crew will build connections with customers. That’s 20,000 more ways McDonald’s is making an impact.”
As one of America’s largest private employers, McDonald’s provides first jobs to many Americans, with 1 in 8 Americans having worked there at some point in their lives.
The company’s commitment to providing entry-level opportunities and advancement through programs like Archways to Opportunity demonstrates how American businesses thrive while investing in their workforce.
McDonald’s continues to be a staple of American culture, recently celebrating its 70th anniversary in mid-April.
The company’s expansion plans reflect confidence in the American consumer and economy under the current administration.
The broader U.S. job market remains robust, with 177,000 jobs added in April, indicating that pro-business policies are continuing to drive economic growth.
McDonald’s hiring spree and similar initiatives from other restaurant operators like Chipotle suggest renewed confidence in the American economy and consumer spending power.
