Fast Food Worker Salary in San Francisco, CA
Fast Food Workers in San Francisco, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $20.25 per hour, which equates to about $810.00 per week, $3,510.00 per month, and $42,120.00 per year.
The demand for Fast Food Workers in San Francisco is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook with increasing opportunities in this sector annually.
How Much Does a Fast Food Worker Make in San Francisco, CA?
The salary of a Fast Food Worker in San Francisco varies with experience and employer, but here is a breakdown of earnings across different levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.93 | $797.20 | $3,444.53 | $41,334.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $20.25 | $810.00 | $3,510.00 | $42,120.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.57 | $822.80 | $3,567.73 | $42,765.60 |
Do Fast Food Workers in San Francisco Earn Tips?
Fast Food Workers generally do not earn tips as their roles are mostly behind the counter and payment is through wages rather than gratuities. Therefore, tips typically do not supplement their income.
Fast Food Worker Salary in San Francisco vs. National Average
Nationally, Fast Food Workers earn an average of about $13.90 per hour, which translates to roughly $28,912.00 per year.
Compared to this, Fast Food Workers in San Francisco earn considerably more, at around $20.25 per hour and $42,120.00 annually. This higher pay reflects San Francisco’s higher cost of living and demand for labor in the food service industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Francisco for Fast Food Workers
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Fast Food Workers:
- Financial District: $21.50 per hour
- Mission Bay: $21.00 per hour
Fast Food Workers employed in the Financial District can expect some of the highest wages in the surrounding area.
What Influences a Fast Food Worker’s Salary in San Francisco?
Experience plays a significant role in increasing salary, with more seasoned workers often earning higher wages.
Skills such as speed, customer service ability, and multitasking can positively impact earnings and promotional opportunities.
The type of establishment also matters; workers in high-volume or upscale fast food locations may earn more than those in smaller or less busy outlets.
Working peak shifts or weekends can sometimes include shift differentials, increasing pay.
Lastly, local labor laws including minimum wage hikes in San Francisco directly affect salary levels across the fast food sector.
How To Become a Fast Food Worker in San Francisco
Starting a career as a Fast Food Worker in San Francisco involves several straightforward steps:
- Obtaining a California Food Handler Card is mandatory, ensuring knowledge of food safety standards.
- Many employers look for candidates with ServSafe Certification, a nationally recognized food safety training.
- Training through reputable institutions such as City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies or the San Francisco Cooking School Professional Culinary Program can provide foundational skills and knowledge.
- Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions helps develop valuable work habits and skills.
Top Employers Hiring Fast Food Workers in San Francisco
Major employers in the fast food sector actively hiring in San Francisco include:
- McDonald's
- Wendy's
- Taco Bell
- Starbucks
Establishments That Fast Food Workers in San Francisco Work At
Fast Food Workers are typically employed in varied establishments such as casual fast food chains, quick-service restaurants, and fast casual outlets.
The type of establishment influences salary, with busy urban locations or corporate franchises often providing higher wages to meet living costs and competition.
Smaller local fast food joints might offer lower pay, but sometimes include benefits or advancement potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Francisco for Fast Food Workers
If you are interested in similar roles within hospitality, you might consider these careers:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Cashier positions, which share skills and working environments with Fast Food Workers.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Fast Food Workers in San Francisco
Fast Food Workers should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax requirements to protect their workplace rights and manage finances:
- For California state labor laws and regulations, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Local government resources and regulations are available through the City and County of San Francisco Official Website.
- For federal labor laws and resources, consult the U.S. Department of Labor.