'We have to pay what it is to get people in the door'

Siri Hedreen / The Outlook

Anetria McDuffie, 44, has been working at McDonald's since the summer after about a decade of manufacturing jobs and is already making $3.50 per hour more than what she was at Wellborn Cabinetry.

Anetria McDuffie wasn't even looking for a new job when she saw a "Now Hiring" sign at McDonald's advertising a $13-per-hour starting wage.

The fast-food restaurant had been her first job 20 years ago, but despite more than a decade in manufacturing, the Alexander City McDonald's was offering more than she made at Wellborn Cabinetry.