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Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Merced, CA

Fast food and counter workers in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $37,860, significantly exceeding the national average of $31,240. This higher compensation in Merced can be attributed to a combination of local market dynamics and potentially a higher demand for these services relative to the available workforce.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,730.
  • Outlook: Merced, CA, hosts a substantial workforce of 2,540 fast food and counter workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.31, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 31% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for these positions within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,860

The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Merced, CA earns+21.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.2

Weekly

$728

Monthly

$3,155

Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Career progression for fast food and counter workers in Merced, CA, typically involves moving from entry-level roles to positions with greater responsibility, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. Salary increases are generally tied to experience, skill development, and the scope of duties, with significant percentile gaps often reflecting these advancements.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,395$13.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,440$17.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,325$22.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,730$21.5

Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,860

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,860 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast food worker's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.

Job Market Context

2,540

Total Jobs

32.164

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.31 for fast food and counter workers in Merced, CA, signifies a notable concentration of these jobs compared to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in Merced is more specialized in this sector, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and employees.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$39,520↑ 4%37 mi
Fresno, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$37,390↓ 1%52 mi
Stockton-Lodi, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$38,220↑ 1%65 mi
Salinas, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$39,720↑ 5%77 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary$43,330↑ 14%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Merced, CA?

The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Merced, CA is $37,860. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $44,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 21.2% higher than the national median of $31,240.

Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workerss?

Yes, Merced, CA offers a more lucrative environment for fast food and counter workers compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $37,860 is significantly higher than the national average of $31,240, and the cost of living remains at the national par.

Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($39,520) and Fresno, CA.

How does Merced's fast food job market compare to the national average?

Merced, CA, has a higher concentration of fast food and counter worker jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.31, suggesting a stronger local demand relative to the national average.

What is the average salary for a fast food worker in Merced, CA?

The average annual salary for fast food and counter workers in Merced, CA, is $37,860.

How does the cost of living in Merced, CA affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $37,860 salary in Merced provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.

What is the total number of fast food and counter workers in Merced, CA?

There are approximately 2,540 fast food and counter workers employed in Merced, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,540 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 32.164 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA