Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

In Santa Cruz, CA, fast food and counter workers earn a median annual salary of $37,300, with an hourly rate of $17.93. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $30,480 for the same occupation, reflecting the area's relatively strong labor market conditions despite a local unemployment rate of 5.90%. When compared to the median household income in Santa Cruz, which stands at $109,266, earnings for fast food and counter workers are significantly lower, indicating that these jobs typically contribute less substantially to supporting an average household within this locality.

The salary range for fast food and counter workers in Santa Cruz varies with experience, as evidenced by the distribution of earnings across different percentiles. Entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earn approximately $34,930 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make around $35,560. In contrast, more experienced workers situated at the 75th percentile earn about $43,770, and those at the 90th percentile can expect to make up to $46,600 per year. This disparity in earnings is largely driven by factors such as tenure, skill level, and shifts worked (including night or weekend hours), which are common determinants of wage growth within this occupation. The estimated employment for these roles in Santa Cruz is around 3,050 individuals, highlighting a significant segment of the local workforce engaged in this sector.