📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$45,838
per year
Median
$42,998
per year
Hourly
$22.04
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,407
25th Percentile — Junior$39,803
50th Percentile — Median$42,998
75th Percentile — Senior$51,944
90th Percentile — Top Earners$55,235
💡 Top-earning Fast Food and Counter Workerss in California make up to $55,235 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$39.5k
2021
$40.7k
2022
$41.9k
2023
$43.2k
2024
$44.5k
2025
$45.8k
2026
📈 Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $71,049 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $67,840 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $78,841 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $84,800 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $49,505 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $55,922 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $66,465 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $49,505 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $65,090 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $64,173 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $58,673 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $54,089 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $71,049 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $54,089 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $51,339 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $55,922 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $52,714 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $67,840 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $73,341 +60.0% Very High
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Fast Food and Counter Workers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Fast Food and Counter Workerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,838 per year, California's Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $34,407–$39,803, while experienced Fast Food and Counter Workerss can command $51,944–$55,235.

Looking ahead, the Fast Food and Counter Workers profession in California is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fast Food and Counter Workers salary in California is $45,838 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $32,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Fast Food and Counter Workerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Fast Food and Counter Workers employment.
  • At $45,838/year, California Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $32,280/year.