Food Preparation Workers Salary in California (2025)
Official BLS OEWS data · May 2025 · 112,750 employed
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $35,190 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $37,010 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $39,350 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $44,540 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $48,470 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$35K
25th
$37K
Median
$39K
75th
$45K
90th
$48K
California has a large Food Preparation Workers workforce with approximately 112,750 positions, indicating strong demand for this occupation in the region.
In California, Food Preparation Workers salaries range from $35,190 at the 10th percentile to $48,470 at the 90th percentile — a spread of $13,280 (34% of the median). This relatively narrow range suggests more consistent pay across employers in this area.
Top Paying Cities in California
Metro areas with highest Food Preparation Workers wages
How Food Preparation Workers Compares in California
The average Food Preparation Workers salary of $41,480 in California ranks above the national average of $35,290. There are approximately 112,750 Food Preparation Workerss employed in California.