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Salary · California · BLS OEWS May 2024

Food Preparation Workers Salary in California

In California, food preparation workers earn a median of $38,150 per year.

Median (California)
$38,150
Bottom 10%
$34,840
Top 10%
$47,910
Employed in California
98,950

How California compares

Refit analysis ·In California, food preparation workers earn a median of $38,150 — 11% above the national median of $34,220. Locally the range runs $34,840 to $47,910. About 98,950 people hold this role in the state.
Refit analysis ·California ranks #4 of 54 states for food preparation workers pay — roughly the 94th percentile among states. That trails the top-paying state (Washington, $38,950) by 2%. State employment of about 98,950 also shapes how competitive local openings are.

National benchmark

US median
$34,220
US bottom 10%
$23,490
US top 10%
$44,260

Skills that move pay in this role

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Monitoring
  • Mathematics
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies

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