Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,470 | $15.13 |
| 25th percentile | $31,610 | $15.20 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,910 | $16.78 |
| 75th percentile | $38,160 | $18.35 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,570 | $22.39 |
| Mean (average) | $36,960 | $17.77 |
How New Jersey Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (current) | $34,910 | — |
| Washington | $38,950 | +12% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +11% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +10% |
| California | $38,150 | +9% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +8% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +7% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +6% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Jersey
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $34,820 | 2,410 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $35,080 | 3,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $35,110 | 4,230 |
| Dishwashers | $34,640 | 8,080 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $35,190 | 1,120 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $35,250 | 4,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in New Jersey?
The mean food preparation workers salary in New Jersey is $36,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,910 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in New Jersey typically earn around $31,470 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,610 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in New Jersey?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Jersey make approximately $46,570 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,160 per year.
How does the New Jersey Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in New Jersey is $34,910, which is +2% 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