New Jersey ranks 18th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $4,040 — a 12% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,470 to $46,570 — a $15,100 spread, 27% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
New Jersey employs roughly 2.8% of all food preparation workers in the country (25,170 workers).
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 | n/a |
| 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.
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.