📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fast Food Worker Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$41,578
per year
Median
$38,738
per year
Hourly
$19.99
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$30,147
25th Percentile — Junior$35,543
50th Percentile — Median$38,738
75th Percentile — Senior$47,684
90th Percentile — Top Earners$51,316
💡 Top-earning Fast Food Workers in California make up to $51,316 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
$37.7k
2021
$38.4k
2022
$39.2k
2023
$40.0k
2024
$40.8k
2025
$41.6k
2026
📈 Fast Food Worker salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Fast Food Worker Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $64,446 +55.0% High
San Diego $61,535 +48.0% High
San Jose $71,514 +72.0% High
San Francisco $76,919 +85.0% High
Fresno $44,904 +8.0% High
Sacramento $50,725 +22.0% High
Long Beach $60,288 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $44,904 +8.0% High
Anaheim $59,041 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $58,209 +40.0% High
Riverside $53,220 +28.0% High
Stockton $49,062 +18.0% High
Irvine $64,446 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $49,062 +18.0% High
Modesto $46,567 +12.0% High
Fontana $50,725 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $47,815 +15.0% High
Glendale $61,535 +48.0% High
Fremont $66,525 +60.0% High
🔍
Fast Food Worker Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Fast Food Workers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $41,578 per year, California's Fast Food Worker 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 $30,147–$35,543, while experienced Fast Food Workers can command $47,684–$51,316.

Looking ahead, the Fast Food Worker profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% 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 Worker salary in California is $41,578 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $29,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Fast Food Workers 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 Worker employment.
  • At $41,578/year, California Fast Food Worker salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $29,280/year.