Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$42,000$20.19 per hour · $3,500 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Fast Food and Counter Workers Wage Percentiles in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $16.97/hr | $2,942 | $35,300 | $30,149 |
| 25th Percentile | $17.55/hr | $3,042 | $36,500 | $31,065 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $20.19/hr | $3,500 | $42,000 | $35,264 |
| 75th Percentile | $21.44/hr | $3,717 | $44,600 | $37,249 |
| 90th Percentile | $22.88/hr | $3,967 | $47,600 | $39,531 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$42,000 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare fast food or counter workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Fast Food and Counter Workers Pay in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
What is the median salary for fast food or counter workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for fast food or counter workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $42,000, which equates to approximately $3,500 per month or $20.19 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for fast food or counter workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median hourly wage for fast food or counter workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $20.19 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $16.97/hour and one in ten earned more than $22.88/hour.
What is the pay range for fast food or counter workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
BLS wage estimates for fast food or counter workers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA span from $35,300 at the 10th percentile to $36,500 at the 25th, $44,600 at the 75th, and $47,600 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do fast food or counter workers take home after taxes in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On a median gross salary of $42,000, an estimated $35,264 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,356 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,736 (an effective rate of 16%).
How much do fast food or counter workers make per month in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On the median annual salary of $42,000, gross monthly income is $3,500. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,939 per month (or $1,356 every two weeks).
Is $42,000 a good salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
At $42,000, the median salary for fast food or counter workers is 37.8% of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA median household income ($111,093). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 109.9, making regional consumer goods and services 9.9% more expensive than the U.S. average.