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Food Preparation Workers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$39,350
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.1% vs 2024
$41,480
Mean Salary
$39,350
Median Salary
$18.92
Hourly Rate
112,750 people work as Food Preparation Workers in California
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in California earn a median salary of $39,350 per year ($3,279/month).
This is 17.1% above the national average of $33,596.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 112,750 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 3.1% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Administration and Management
3.19
Public Safety and Security
2.99
Food Production
2.93
English Language
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(44.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in California
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in California range from $35,190 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $48,470 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,010 and $44,540.
Median $39,350
P10: $35,190P25: $37,010P75: $44,540P90: $48,470
10th
$35,190
25th
$37,010
Median
$39,350
75th
$44,540
90th
$48,470
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,190
$16.92
$2,932
25th Percentile
$37,010
$17.79
$3,084
Median (50th)
$39,350
$18.92
$3,279
75th Percentile
$44,540
$21.41
$3,711
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$48,470
$23.30
$4,039
Note: The mean (average) salary of $41,480 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in California?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in California is $39,350 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $41,480.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in California?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in California range from $35,190 at the 10th percentile to $48,470 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,010 and $44,540.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in California?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in California typically start around $35,190 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,010 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 112,750 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in California is approximately $18.92 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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