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Food Preparation Workers Salary in New Jersey
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in New Jersey?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$35,540
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.8% vs 2024
$37,680
Mean Salary
$35,540
Median Salary
$17.09
Hourly Rate
24,730 people work as Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in New Jersey
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey earn a median salary of $35,540 per year ($2,961/month).
This is 5.8% above the national average of $33,596.
New Jersey ranks #19 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 24,730 people work in this occupation across New Jersey.
Salaries increased by 1.8% 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 New Jersey
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey range from $32,220 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $46,070 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $33,530 and $38,470.
Median $35,540
P10: $32,220P25: $33,530P75: $38,470P90: $46,070
10th
$32,220
25th
$33,530
Median
$35,540
75th
$38,470
90th
$46,070
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$32,220
$15.49
$2,685
25th Percentile
$33,530
$16.12
$2,794
Median (50th)
$35,540
$17.09
$2,961
75th Percentile
$38,470
$18.50
$3,205
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$46,070
$22.15
$3,839
Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,680 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey is $35,540 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,680.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey range from $32,220 at the 10th percentile to $46,070 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $33,530 and $38,470.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in New Jersey typically start around $32,220 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $33,530 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 24,730 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey is approximately $17.09 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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