Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
In the bustling Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area, Fast Food and Counter Workers earn an average annual salary of $39,000. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $31,240, reflecting the unique economic dynamics and higher operational costs inherent to this major Californian hub. The elevated pay is a direct response to the region's robust economy and substantial consumer base.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,200.
- Outlook: The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area boasts a substantial workforce of 153,840 Fast Food and Counter Workers, indicating a significant and stable demand for these roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these jobs aligns closely with the national average, suggesting a well-established and consistent market for fast food employment that is neither overly saturated nor scarce.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+24.8%above the national average.
$18.8
$750
$3,250
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market demands, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the rising cost of living and economic conditions in the region.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,410 | $16.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,250 | $14.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,480 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,750 | $23.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,200 | $22.2 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,000 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the rest of the country, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
153,840
Total Jobs
24.813
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim indicates that the job market here is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced competitive landscape; the demand for these workers is robust and mirrors national trends, implying that while opportunities exist, they are not disproportionately abundant compared to other regions, requiring standard job-seeking efforts.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $38,290↓ 2% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $38,840↓ 0% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $39,000. This typically ranges from $34,410 for entry-level positions to $46,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 24.8% higher than the national median of $31,240.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Yes, it offers above-average nominal pay.Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim earn $39,000 annually, which is notably higher than the national average. However, this higher wage is offset by a cost of living that matches the national average, meaning the increased salary provides standard purchasing power.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($38,290) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Los Angeles salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is $39,000, which is approximately 25% higher than the national average of $31,240.
What is the job market like for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles?
The job market is stable, with a large workforce of 153,840 and a concentration (Location Quotient) of 1.01, indicating a demand that closely mirrors the national average.
Does the high salary in Los Angeles translate to better purchasing power?
While the nominal salary is higher, the Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the increased salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Los Angeles?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with entry-level positions paying less and senior or supervisory roles commanding higher wages, reflecting career progression opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 153,840 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 24.813 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA