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Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$42,280
Median Annual Salary
▲
+14.2% vs 2024
$41,680
Mean Salary
$42,280
Median Salary
$20.33
Hourly Rate
449,840 people work as Fast Food and Counter Workers in California
Fast Food and Counter Workers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Fast Food and Counter Workers in California earn a median salary of $42,280 per year ($3,523/month).
This is 38.3% above the national average of $30,570.
California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Fast Food and Counter Workers pay.
Approximately 449,840 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 14.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Fast Food and Counter Workers
Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.5
Speaking
3.38
Service Orientation
3.38
Social Perceptiveness
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.24
Food Production
4.12
Public Safety and Security
3.9
English Language
3.73
Sales and Marketing
3.55
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
(57.1% of workers)
Salary Range: Fast Food and Counter Workers in California
Salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in California range from $35,530 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,950 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $36,790 and $44,970.
Median $42,280
P10: $35,530P25: $36,790P75: $44,970P90: $47,950
10th
$35,530
25th
$36,790
Median
$42,280
75th
$44,970
90th
$47,950
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,530
$17.08
$2,960
25th Percentile
$36,790
$17.69
$3,065
Median (50th)
$42,280
$20.33
$3,523
75th Percentile
$44,970
$21.62
$3,747
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,950
$23.05
$3,995
Note: The mean (average) salary of $41,680 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Fast Food and Counter Workers make in California?
The median annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in California is $42,280 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $41,680.
What is the salary range for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in California?
Salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in California range from $35,530 at the 10th percentile to $47,950 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $36,790 and $44,970.
What is the starting salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in California?
Entry-level Fast Food and Counter Workers positions in California typically start around $35,530 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $36,790 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Fast Food and Counter Workers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 449,840 people are employed as Fast Food and Counter Workers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in California is approximately $20.33 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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