Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,840 | $16.75 |
| 25th percentile | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,150 | $18.34 |
| 75th percentile | $44,030 | $21.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,910 | $23.03 |
| Mean (average) | $40,510 | $19.48 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $38,150 | — |
| Washington | $38,950 | +2% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +1% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +1% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | -1% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | -2% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | -3% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | -4% |
| Oregon | $36,390 | -5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $38,220 | 47,190 |
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | $38,300 | 7,560 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $37,690 | 29,570 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $38,640 | 237,680 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | $38,660 | 6,830 |
| Recreation Workers | $37,580 | 48,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in California?
The mean food preparation workers salary in California is $40,510 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,150 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in California?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $34,840 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,820 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $47,910 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $44,030 per year.
How does the California Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in California is $38,150, which is +11% above national average of $34,220.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes