Food Preparation Workers in California
Local pay for food preparation workers in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 35-2021
$39,350
median pay, California
112,750
employed in California
+11.4%
vs U.S. median
-3.4%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What food preparation workers earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of food preparation workers in California earn between $37,010 and $44,540 a year; the U.S. median is $35,320.
$35,190
P10
$37,010
P25
$39,350
MEDIAN
$44,540
P75
$48,470
P90
Pay by metro in California
$45,580
$42,810
$42,640
$41,000
$39,770
$39,110
$38,980
$38,840
$20k $40k $60k