How Much Does McDonald’s Make a Day?

McDonald’s is more than just burgers and fries—it’s one of the most profitable and widespread brands on the planet. But just how much money does it make in a day? From daily earnings to CEO pay and global operations, this guide breaks down the numbers behind the golden arches.

What Is McDonald’s?

Founded in 1940 in California, McDonald’s has grown into the world’s largest fast-food restaurant chain. It operates a franchise model, meaning most of its locations are owned by independent operators who pay McDonald’s for branding, systems, and a share of profits.

McDonald’s isn’t just in the food business—it’s in the real estate and logistics business too. The company earns from franchising fees, rent, supply chain control, and brand dominance. Its scale allows it to generate consistent revenue across global markets.

How Much Does McDonald’s Make per Day in the UK?

As of the most recent figures, McDonald’s UK has annual revenues of around £2 billion. That averages out to roughly £5.5 million per day across the country.

There are about 1,400 McDonald’s restaurants in the UK, most of which are franchises. Each location typically generates £3,500–£5,000 in daily revenue, though high-traffic stores may earn significantly more.

How Much Does McDonald’s Make Globally per Day?

Globally, McDonald’s generated $25.5 billion in revenue in 2023, which works out to about $70 million per day.

That’s roughly:

• $2.9 million per hour

• $48,000 per minute

Much of this revenue comes from franchise fees and rent rather than direct food sales. More than 90% of McDonald’s restaurants are run by franchisees.

How Much Does McDonald’s Profit per Hour?

McDonald’s net income for 2023 was approximately $8 billion, which means:

• Around $22 million profit per day

• Roughly $916,000 profit per hour

So while the headline revenue figures are huge, what matters more is the company’s incredible profit margins—especially due to its franchise-heavy model, which shifts much of the operating cost onto local owners.

How Much Money Does the CEO of McDonald’s Make?

Chris Kempczinski, the CEO of McDonald’s, earned $17.8 million in total compensation in 2023. This includes base salary, bonuses, stock awards, and other benefits.

That breaks down to:

• $48,700 per day

• $2,000 per hour (assuming a 24-hour day, more if calculated over standard working hours)

Executive pay at this level often includes long-term incentives based on stock performance, not just annual salary.

Interesting Facts About McDonald’s

• McDonald’s serves over 69 million customers daily across the world.

• The first UK McDonald’s opened in 1974 in Woolwich, London.

• McDonald’s is the second-largest private employer globally, behind Walmart.

• It owns one of the world’s most valuable property portfolios—many franchisees rent the land from McDonald’s itself.

• It sells more toys annually than any toy company, thanks to Happy Meals.

How Many Restaurants Does McDonald’s Have in the UK and Globally?

• UK: Roughly 1,400 restaurants, with over 90% franchised

• Globally: Over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries

The U.S. remains its largest market, but international markets, especially in Asia and Europe, are growing fast.

How Do Their Daily Profits Compare With Competitors?

When it comes to revenue and profit, McDonald’s still leads the fast-food world. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Starbucks: Revenue of $35 billion/year, slightly higher than McDonald’s but lower margins

• Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut): ~$7 billion/year revenue

• Burger King (Restaurant Brands International): ~$7 billion/year revenue

While others are catching up in revenue, McDonald’s wins on operating efficiency and brand recognition, turning more of that income into profit. Its real estate holdings and tight control over supply chains give it a competitive edge that’s hard to match.

Final Thought

McDonald’s earns more in a single day than many businesses make in a year. Its franchise model, global presence, and real estate strategy all combine to keep its profits high and consistent. Whether you're interested in the business model or just amazed at the numbers, McDonald’s continues to dominate the fast-food sector on almost every metric.