Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in California
Based on 450K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$42,280
$20.33/hr
vs National Average
$30,570
+38.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $48K
450K employed in California
The median Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in California is $42,280 per year, or $20 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the state's higher cost of living and strong demand for these essential service roles. California employs a substantial workforce in this sector, with nearly half a million individuals.
Several factors influence the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in California. These include the specific fast-food chain, the geographic location within the state (major metropolitan areas often offer higher wages), years of experience, and any additional responsibilities or supervisory duties. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Fast Food and Counter Worker in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,530 |
| 25th percentile | $36,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $42,280 |
| 75th percentile | $44,970 |
| 90th percentile | $47,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Fast Food and Counter Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Fast Food and Counter Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Fast Food and Counter Workers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $38,740 | 390 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $37,820 | 18K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $36,850 | 17K |
| Educational Services | $35,370 | 117K |
| Wholesale Trade | $34,990 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Fast Food and Counter Worker in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,280 |
| 2026 (projected) | $43,548 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,280 | $30,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $43,548 | $31,487 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $36,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $42,280 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $44,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,950 |
Fast Food and Counter Worker Salary in Other States
Related Fast Food and Counter Worker Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Fast Food and Counter Worker ($42,280 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Fast Food and Counter Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in CA | $44,880 | +6.1% | $21.58/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in CA | $36,080 | -14.7% | $17.35/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CA | $42,870 | +1.4% | $20.61/hr |
| Security Guard in CA | $43,240 | +2.3% | $20.79/hr |
| Receptionist in CA | $44,100 | +4.3% | $21.20/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CA | $44,480 | +5.2% | $21.38/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in CA | $38,440 | -9.1% | $18.48/hr |
| Cashier in CA | $37,100 | -12.3% | $17.84/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CA | $47,630 | +12.7% | $22.90/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CA | $49,560 | +17.2% | $23.83/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | +17.2% | $23.83/hr |
| Medical Assistant in CA | $49,660 | +17.5% | $23.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Worker make per year in California?
- The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in California is $42,280. This means that half of workers in this role earn more, and half earn less, with the typical range falling between $35,530 and $47,950 annually.
What is the hourly wage for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in California?
- Fast Food and Counter Workers in California earn a median hourly wage of $20. The salary range indicates that most workers can expect to earn between $17.08 and $23.05 per hour.
How does the Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in California compare to the national average?
- The Fast Food and Counter Worker salary in California is notably higher than the national average, by a significant 38.3%. This suggests that California offers more competitive compensation for these positions compared to other states.
Is $42,280 a good salary for a Fast Food and Counter Worker in California?
- The median salary of $42,280 per year, or $20 per hour, is the central point for Fast Food and Counter Worker earnings in California. Considering the salary range of $35,530 to $47,950, this median reflects a substantial income for this occupation within the state.