How much does Del Taco pay? The amount depends on the position, restaurant location, employee experience, shift availability and whether the restaurant is operated by Del Taco or an independent franchise owner.
Based on publicly reported salary estimates and recent job-advertisement ranges, entry-level Del Taco employees may earn approximately $11 to more than $20 per hour. Jobs in California frequently advertise higher rates, sometimes around $20 to $23 per hour, while positions in lower-cost markets may start closer to the applicable local minimum wage.
Supervisory and management positions generally pay more. A Shift Leader may earn an hourly rate, while Assistant Managers, Restaurant Managers and General Managers may receive either hourly compensation or an annual salary.
These numbers should be treated as estimates rather than guaranteed offers. Salary-reporting platforms combine information from different locations, job titles, franchise operators and reporting periods. The starting wage offered by the exact restaurant is more important than a national average.
This guide covers:
- Del Taco starting pay
- Hourly wages by position
- California Del Taco pay
- Weekly, monthly and annual earnings
- Shift Leader and manager salaries
- Weekly and biweekly payroll
- Training and overtime pay
- Factors that affect starting wages
- How to negotiate a higher rate
- Questions to ask before accepting a job
How Much Does Del Taco Pay Per Hour?
The following table summarizes approximate publicly reported earnings for common Del Taco positions.
| Del Taco position | Approximate pay estimate |
|---|---|
| Cashier | Around $11.24 per hour |
| Crew Member | Around $13.41 per hour |
| Cook | Around $15.79 per hour |
| Shift Leader | Around $16.21 per hour |
| Assistant General Manager | Around $18.26 per hour |
| Team Member | Around $18.95 per hour |
| California Team Member | Around $20.80 per hour |
| Restaurant Manager | Around $50,000–$85,000 per year |
| District Manager | Around $75,000 per year |
These figures do not represent one official Del Taco pay scale. Actual wages may be higher or lower based on the restaurant, city, job responsibilities and applicant experience.
What Is Del Taco’s Starting Pay?
There is no single national Del Taco starting wage.
Starting pay may depend on:
- State minimum-wage requirements
- City or county wage rules
- Corporate or franchise ownership
- Job title
- Previous restaurant experience
- Opening, closing or overnight availability
- Current staffing needs
- Local cost of living
- Food-safety certifications
- Supervisory experience
An entry-level Team Member in one state may be offered approximately $11 to $15 per hour, while a similar employee in California may receive $20 or more.
Applicants should review the wage range included in the local job advertisement and confirm the exact starting rate during the interview.
Del Taco Pay by Position
Del Taco Team Member Pay
A Del Taco Team Member is usually an entry-level restaurant employee who may work in several areas during the same shift.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Taking customer orders
- Operating the cash register
- Preparing tacos and burritos
- Working at the drive-thru
- Packaging pickup orders
- Restocking ingredients
- Cleaning tables and workstations
- Following food-safety procedures
- Helping customers with menu questions
Public salary estimates place average Del Taco Team Member pay near $18.95 per hour. However, that number is influenced by job postings in higher-wage areas such as California.
Current job ranges can differ significantly by market. Examples may include:
- Approximately $11 to $15 per hour in selected lower-cost areas
- Approximately $15 to $19 per hour in mid-range markets
- Approximately $20 to $23 per hour in California
- Higher advertised rates for experienced or flexible employees
Estimated Team Member Earnings
Using an hourly wage of $18.95:
| Work schedule | Estimated gross earnings |
|---|---|
| 20 hours per week | $379 |
| 25 hours per week | $473.75 |
| 30 hours per week | $568.50 |
| 40 hours per week | $758 |
| Average full-time monthly pay | About $3,285 |
| Full-time annual estimate | About $39,416 |
These are gross figures before federal and state taxes, insurance deductions, retirement contributions or other payroll adjustments.
A higher hourly rate does not guarantee a full-time schedule. Applicants should ask how many hours employees in the position usually receive.
Del Taco Crew Member Pay
The terms Crew Member and Team Member may describe similar restaurant duties. However, salary-reporting websites sometimes treat them as separate job categories.
Public estimates place Del Taco Crew Member pay around $13.41 per hour.
Crew Members may perform tasks such as:
- Taking orders
- Preparing food
- Cleaning work areas
- Restocking supplies
- Working at the register
- Helping at the drive-thru
- Following opening or closing checklists
Using an estimated wage of $13.41 per hour:
| Work schedule | gross earnings |
|---|---|
| 20 hours per week | $268.20 |
| 25 hours per week | $335.25 |
| 30 hours per week | $402.30 |
| 40 hours per week | $536.40 |
| Average full-time monthly pay | About $2,324 |
| Full-time annual estimate | About $27,893 |
The difference between Team Member and Crew Member estimates may result from location, sample size, job-title wording and when the salary information was collected.
Two employees doing similar work at the same restaurant may not have a large pay difference simply because one listing uses “Crew Member” and another uses “Team Member.”
Del Taco Cashier Pay
A Del Taco cashier focuses primarily on customer service and payment processing.
Common duties may include:
- Greeting customers
- Taking orders accurately
- Processing cash and card payments
- Answering menu questions
- Applying coupons or rewards
- Managing pickup orders
- Handing out food
- Cleaning the register area
- Supporting drive-thru service
Public estimates place Del Taco cashier pay near $11.24 per hour nationally, although actual rates can be much higher in states with stronger wage requirements.
At $11.24 per hour, estimated gross earnings would be:
| Work schedule | Estimated pay |
|---|---|
| 20 hours per week | $224.80 |
| 30 hours per week | $337.20 |
| 40 hours per week | $449.60 |
| Average full-time monthly pay | About $1,948 |
| Full-time annual estimate | About $23,379 |
Cashier positions in California or cities with higher local minimum wages may pay considerably more than this national estimate.
Del Taco Cook Pay
A Del Taco cook or kitchen employee may be responsible for preparing ingredients and assembling menu items.
Typical duties can include:
- Preparing proteins
- Heating beans and sauces
- Cooking or holding food at proper temperatures
- Assembling tacos, burritos and quesadillas
- Monitoring food quality
- Cleaning kitchen equipment
- Restocking the preparation line
- Following sanitation requirements
- Completing opening and closing tasks
Public estimates place average Del Taco cook pay around $15.79 per hour.
At that rate:
| Work schedule | Estimated gross earnings |
|---|---|
| 20 hours per week | $315.80 |
| 25 hours per week | $394.75 |
| 30 hours per week | $473.70 |
| 40 hours per week | $631.60 |
| Average full-time monthly pay | About $2,737 |
| Full-time annual estimate | About $32,843 |
Experienced cooks may qualify for higher starting pay, particularly when they have previous experience with:
- Fast-food kitchens
- Food-safety procedures
- Opening and closing
- Equipment cleaning
- Inventory management
- High-volume meal preparation
Del Taco Shift Leader Pay
A Del Taco Shift Leader helps manage employees and restaurant operations during an assigned shift.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assigning workstations
- Training Team Members
- Managing employee breaks
- Handling customer complaints
- Monitoring service speed
- Counting cash drawers
- Opening or closing the restaurant
- Checking food quality
- Supporting the manager on duty
- Completing shift reports
Public estimates place average Del Taco Shift Leader pay near $16.21 per hour.
At this hourly rate:
| Work schedule | Estimated gross earnings |
|---|---|
| 30 hours per week | $486.30 |
| 35 hours per week | $567.35 |
| 40 hours per week | $648.40 |
| Average full-time monthly pay | About $2,810 |
| Full-time annual estimate | About $33,717 |
Shift Leader rates can be higher in expensive markets. California leadership positions may advertise approximately $20 to $24 per hour.
Applicants should ask whether the position includes:
- Opening shifts
- Closing shifts
- Cash-deposit responsibility
- Employee training
- Inventory duties
- Weekend availability
- Overnight work
- Additional manager-on-duty responsibilities
Del Taco Shift Manager Pay
A Shift Manager generally has more operational responsibility than a Team Member or entry-level Shift Leader.
Typical duties may include:
- Supervising the restaurant during assigned hours
- Managing employee deployment
- Solving customer-service problems
- Monitoring food safety
- Completing cash-management tasks
- Coaching Team Members
- Maintaining service standards
- Reporting equipment or staffing problems
- Managing opening and closing procedures
Public estimates and job advertisements may place Shift Manager compensation near $18 to $22 per hour, depending on location.
Before accepting the job, confirm whether the role is:
- Hourly or salaried
- Overtime eligible
- Full-time or part-time
- Eligible for bonuses
- Expected to work closing shifts
- Responsible for bank deposits
- Required to supervise overnight operations
Del Taco Assistant General Manager Pay
An Assistant General Manager, commonly called an AGM, helps the General Manager run the restaurant.
Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing employee schedules
- Interviewing job applicants
- Training new employees
- Controlling food and labor costs
- Monitoring daily sales
- Managing inventory
- Handling customer complaints
- Supporting inspections
- Supervising opening and closing
- Helping improve restaurant performance
Public estimates place average Del Taco Assistant General Manager pay near $18.26 per hour.
At that rate:
| Work period | Estimated earnings |
|---|---|
| 40-hour week | $730.40 |
| Average monthly pay | About $3,165 |
| Annual equivalent | About $37,981 |
Some Assistant Manager positions are advertised using annual salaries rather than hourly wages. Depending on the market and responsibilities, offers may range from approximately $32,000 to $50,000 or more per year.
Applicants should ask whether the stated salary assumes:
- A 40-hour week
- A 45-hour week
- A 50-hour week
- Weekend work
- Closing shifts
- Performance bonuses
- Overtime eligibility
A salary can appear attractive until it is divided by the actual number of weekly hours required.
Del Taco Restaurant Manager Pay
Restaurant Manager compensation varies widely because employers may use different management titles and pay structures.
A Del Taco Restaurant Manager may earn approximately $50,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on:
- Location
- Restaurant sales volume
- Experience
- Bonus eligibility
- Franchise ownership
- Staffing responsibilities
- Required working hours
- Management level
The manager may be responsible for:
- Hiring employees
- Developing supervisors
- Preparing schedules
- Managing labor costs
- Controlling inventory
- Monitoring sales
- Handling customer complaints
- Maintaining food-safety standards
- Preparing for inspections
- Improving restaurant profitability
Salary Compared With Weekly Hours
| Annual salary | 40 hours per week | 50 hours per week |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | About $24.04 per hour | About $19.23 per hour |
| $60,000 | About $28.85 per hour | About $23.08 per hour |
| $70,000 | About $33.65 per hour | About $26.92 per hour |
| $75,000 | About $36.06 per hour | About $28.85 per hour |
| $85,000 | About $40.87 per hour | About $32.69 per hour |
These calculations show why applicants should ask how many hours managers typically work.
A $60,000 salary based on 40 hours per week is different from the same salary requiring 55 or 60 hours.
Del Taco General Manager Pay
A Del Taco General Manager oversees the overall performance of one restaurant.
Common responsibilities include:
- Hiring and training employees
- Developing Shift Leaders
- Preparing schedules
- Managing labor costs
- Monitoring food expenses
- Controlling inventory
- Meeting sales goals
- Handling customer complaints
- Maintaining restaurant cleanliness
- Preparing for inspections
- Completing administrative reports
- Supporting restaurant profitability
Public estimates for General Manager salaries often range from approximately $45,000 to $75,000 per year, with higher offers possible in expensive or high-volume markets.
Compensation may also include:
- Performance bonuses
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Employee meals
- Promotion opportunities
- Mileage reimbursement
- Phone allowance
Benefits and bonus programs are not guaranteed at every corporate or franchised location.
Del Taco District Manager Pay
A District Manager oversees several restaurants rather than one location.
Responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing sales performance
- Monitoring food and labor costs
- Developing General Managers
- Supporting restaurant openings
- Managing staffing problems
- Reviewing inspections
- Ensuring brand standards
- Improving underperforming restaurants
- Visiting multiple locations
- Preparing regional reports
Public estimates place average Del Taco District Manager pay near $75,000 per year, although compensation can range widely.
Higher-level management compensation may include:
- Annual bonus
- Vehicle allowance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Company phone
- Health benefits
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Travel reimbursement
Applicants should ask how many restaurants they will supervise and how much travel the role requires.
How Much Does Del Taco Pay in California?
Del Taco pay in California is generally higher than wages in many other states.
Many California Team Member positions advertise approximately $20 to $23 per hour. Public estimates place the average California Team Member rate close to $20.80 per hour.
Using $20.80 per hour:
| Work schedule | Estimated gross earnings |
|---|---|
| 20 hours per week | $416 |
| 25 hours per week | $520 |
| 30 hours per week | $624 |
| 35 hours per week | $728 |
| 40 hours per week | $832 |
| Average full-time monthly pay | About $3,605 |
| Full-time annual estimate | About $43,264 |
Actual earnings depend on the employee’s scheduled hours.
A restaurant may advertise $21 per hour but offer only 20 to 25 hours per week. Another employer may offer a slightly lower rate with a more reliable full-time schedule.
Applicants should compare both the hourly wage and expected hours.
Why Does Del Taco Pay Vary by Location?
Several factors can cause two Del Taco restaurants to advertise different wages.
State and Local Wage Requirements
Employers must follow applicable federal, state and local wage laws. Some cities and states require significantly higher hourly rates than others.
Company-Owned vs. Franchise-Owned Restaurants
An independent franchise owner may establish separate:
- Starting wages
- Payroll schedules
- Benefits
- Raise policies
- Bonus programs
- Scheduling practices
The job advertisement may identify whether the employer is Del Taco or a separate franchise operating company.
Local Cost of Living
Restaurants in expensive markets may need to offer higher wages to attract workers.
Employee Experience
Previous experience can influence the starting rate.
Relevant experience includes:
- Cash handling
- Fast-food service
- Drive-thru operations
- Food preparation
- Employee training
- Opening and closing
- Inventory control
- Restaurant supervision
Shift Availability
Applicants available for evenings, weekends, closing shifts or overnight work may be more valuable to the restaurant.
A higher rate is not guaranteed, but broader availability may improve negotiating power.
Restaurant Staffing Needs
A restaurant with several urgent vacancies may offer a stronger wage than a fully staffed location.
Job Responsibilities
A cashier, cook, Shift Leader and General Manager do not have the same level of responsibility. Supervisory, scheduling, cash-management and inventory duties generally lead to higher pay.
Does Del Taco Pay Weekly or Biweekly?
There does not appear to be one payroll schedule that applies to every Del Taco restaurant.
Employees may be paid:
- Weekly
- Every two weeks
- Through direct deposit
- By payroll card
- By paper check
Payroll frequency can depend on:
- Corporate or franchise ownership
- State requirements
- Payroll provider
- Restaurant operating company
- Employee classification
Before accepting a job, ask:
“Is the payroll schedule weekly or biweekly, when does the pay period close, and when should I receive my first paycheck?”
Also confirm:
- Direct-deposit availability
- Pay-card fees
- Paper-check availability
- First-paycheck timing
- Payroll cutoff date
- Whether early wage access is offered
Does Del Taco Pay Overtime?
Eligible nonexempt employees generally receive overtime when they work more than the legally established number of hours.
Under common federal overtime rules, covered hourly employees receive at least 1.5 times their regular hourly rate after more than 40 hours in one workweek. State laws may provide additional protections.
Overtime Examples
| Regular hourly wage | Estimated overtime rate |
|---|---|
| $12 | $18 |
| $15 | $22.50 |
| $18 | $27 |
| $20 | $30 |
| $22 | $33 |
An employee earning $20 per hour and working 45 hours could receive:
- 40 regular hours: $800
- Five overtime hours at $30: $150
- Total gross weekly pay: $950
The employee’s classification and applicable law determine overtime eligibility.
Having “manager” in the job title does not automatically eliminate overtime rights. Actual responsibilities, salary and legal classification matter.
Does Del Taco Pay for Training?
Required job-related training and orientation are generally expected to be paid when they qualify as working time.
Training may include:
- Orientation
- Food-safety instruction
- Register training
- Drive-thru practice
- Food-preparation training
- Cleaning procedures
- Opening and closing training
- Manager certification
- Work at another restaurant
Applicants should ask:
- Is orientation paid?
- Is training paid at the normal hourly rate?
- How many training hours are expected?
- Will training happen at another location?
- Is travel time between restaurants paid?
- When will the training hours appear on the paycheck?
Track your training hours and report missing time promptly.
How Many Hours Do Del Taco Employees Work?
Weekly hours depend on restaurant demand, staffing and employee availability.
Possible schedules include:
- Short after-school shifts
- Weekend-only work
- Early-morning opening shifts
- Evening shifts
- Closing shifts
- Overnight shifts
- Part-time schedules
- Full-time management schedules
A part-time employee may work 15 to 30 hours per week. Full-time hours may be available for managers or employees with broad availability, but they are not guaranteed.
Weekly Pay at Different Hourly Rates
| Hourly wage | 20 hours | 30 hours | 40 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| $12 | $240 | $360 | $480 |
| $15 | $300 | $450 | $600 |
| $18 | $360 | $540 | $720 |
| $20 | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| $22 | $440 | $660 | $880 |
These figures are before taxes and deductions.
What Benefits Do Del Taco Employees Receive?
Employee benefits may vary by position, restaurant ownership and weekly hours.
Possible benefits can include:
- Employee meal discounts
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid training
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Performance bonuses
- Promotion opportunities
- Educational assistance
- Employee referral bonuses
Part-time Team Members may receive fewer benefits than full-time managers.
Before accepting an offer, ask for a written explanation of:
- Benefit eligibility
- Waiting periods
- Employee premium costs
- Paid-time-off rules
- Retirement contributions
- Bonus requirements
- Meal-discount policy
How to Get a Higher Starting Wage at Del Taco
Apply for the Correct Position
Someone with restaurant leadership experience should consider Shift Leader or Assistant Manager positions instead of applying only for entry-level roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Mention experience with:
- Point-of-sale systems
- Cash handling
- Drive-thru service
- Food preparation
- Opening and closing
- Inventory
- Employee training
- Food-safety certification
- Customer complaints
- Labor scheduling
Offer Useful Availability
Opening, closing, late-night, weekend and holiday availability may make an applicant more attractive.
Review Local Job Advertisements
Compare current advertisements from nearby Del Taco restaurants. Local postings provide a better picture than one national salary average.
Ask About Wage Flexibility
A professional way to ask is:
“Based on my previous restaurant experience and schedule availability, is there flexibility above the listed starting rate?”
Discuss Performance Reviews
Ask how soon employees become eligible for:
- Pay reviews
- Promotions
- Shift Leader training
- Performance raises
- Management development
Compare Total Compensation
A higher hourly rate is not always the best offer.
Consider:
- Expected weekly hours
- Commute length
- Schedule reliability
- Benefits
- Promotion opportunities
- Manager quality
- Overtime availability
- Employee discounts
Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Del Taco Job
Before accepting an offer, confirm:
- What is the exact hourly wage or annual salary?
- Is the restaurant corporate-owned or franchised?
- How many hours should I expect each week?
- Is the schedule guaranteed?
- Are employees paid weekly or biweekly?
- Is training paid?
- Am I eligible for overtime?
- Are night or closing shifts paid differently?
- Does the position include bonuses?
- When are wage reviews conducted?
- What benefits come with the job?
- Is the advertised wage the starting rate or maximum?
- Is there a probationary or introductory period?
- What is the promotion path?
- When will the first paycheck arrive?
Frequently Asked Questions About Del Taco Pay
1. How much does Del Taco pay per hour?
Entry-level wages may range from approximately $11 to more than $20 per hour, depending on the position and location.
2. What is Del Taco’s starting pay?
There is no single national starting rate. Local wage laws, restaurant ownership, experience and job title affect the offer.
3. How much do Del Taco Team Members make?
Public estimates place Team Member pay near $18.95 per hour, although local offers can be lower or higher.
4. How much do Del Taco Crew Members make?
Public estimates place Crew Member pay around $13.41 per hour.
5. How much does a Del Taco cashier make?
A national estimate places cashier pay around $11.24 per hour, with higher rates possible in expensive markets.
6. How much do Del Taco cooks make?
Public estimates place cook pay near $15.79 per hour.
7. How much do Del Taco Shift Leaders make?
Shift Leader pay may average around $16.21 per hour, while California positions may advertise $20 or more.
8. How much does Del Taco pay in California?
Many California Team Member jobs advertise approximately $20 to $23 per hour.
9. How much do Del Taco Assistant Managers make?
Assistant Manager compensation may range from approximately $18 per hour to annual salaries above $40,000.
10. How much does a Del Taco Restaurant Manager make?
Restaurant Manager offers may range from approximately $50,000 to $85,000 annually.
11. How much do Del Taco District Managers make?
Public estimates place District Manager compensation near $75,000 per year.
12. Does Del Taco pay weekly?
Some restaurants may use weekly payroll, while others use biweekly payroll.
13. Does Del Taco pay biweekly?
Many employees may be paid every two weeks, but the exact schedule depends on the employer.
14. Does Del Taco pay overtime?
Eligible nonexempt employees generally receive overtime according to applicable federal and state law.
15. Does Del Taco pay for training?
Required orientation and job training are generally expected to be paid when they qualify as compensable work.
Final Thoughts
How much does Del Taco pay? There is no single wage that applies to every employee or restaurant.
A practical summary of public estimates is:
- Cashiers may earn around $11 per hour
- Crew Members may earn around $13 per hour
- Cooks may earn around $16 per hour
- Shift Leaders may earn approximately $16 to $24 per hour
- Team Members may earn approximately $11 to more than $20 per hour
- California Team Members commonly receive approximately $20 to $23 per hour
- Assistant Managers may earn approximately $18 to $25 per hour
- Restaurant Managers may earn approximately $50,000 to $85,000 annually
- District Managers may earn around $75,000 annually