California ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $800 — a 2% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,840 to $47,910 — a $13,070 spread, 37% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
California employs roughly 11.1% of all food preparation workers in the country (98,950 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.