Cooks (Fast Food) Salary in California
Cooks (Fast Food) in California earn a median of $42,050 a year, +36% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $42,050
- vs. U.S. median
- +36% ($30,890)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 124,440
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,750; the top 10% earn over $48,750. Nationally the range is $22,580 to $42,910.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Cooks, Restaurant$44,880 median in California
- Food Preparation Workers$39,350 median in California
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$44,290 median in California
- Cooks, Short Order$42,930 median in California
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$46,390 median in California
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$42,280 median in California
Cooks (Fast Food) pay in California
How much do cooks (fast food) make in California?
The median is $42,050 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,750 and the top 10% earn over $48,750. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for cooks (fast food)?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+36% vs. the national median of $30,890). Living costs are not included.