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Average First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Salary in California

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers in California earn an average annual salary of $50,160, which is notably higher than the national average of $44,690. This pay differential is largely influenced by California's dynamic economic landscape and the specific demands of its robust food service industry, which often necessitates higher compensation to attract and retain skilled supervisory talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,590.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 124,240 individuals in this role, California demonstrates a significant presence in the food preparation and serving supervision sector. The location quotient of 0.89 suggests a market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these supervisors across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,160

The average First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers in California earns+12.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.1

Weekly

$965

Monthly

$4,180

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive leadership experience and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,840$17.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$37,620$18.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,140$22.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$62,700$30.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$71,590$34.4

Detailed First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,217

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $50,160 in California is attractive, it must be considered within the context of the state's elevated Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while nominal earnings are higher, the purchasing power of that salary is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

124,240

Total Jobs

6.88

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.89x the national average concentration of First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers in California is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial, it may not be as intensely saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers make in California?

The median annual salary for a First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers in California is $50,160. This typically ranges from $36,840 for entry-level positions to $71,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 12.2% higher than the national median of $44,690.

Is California a lucrative place for First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workerss?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary than the national average for this role. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.

Is California a good place to live for First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($50,800) and Visalia, CA.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 6.88 jobs per 1,000 workers, California's rate is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall workforce size.

What is the typical career path for a Food Preparation and Serving Supervisor?

Career paths often involve starting in entry-level food service roles, progressing to team lead positions, and then advancing to supervisor roles, with potential for further advancement into management positions within larger establishments.

Are there many job openings for this role in California?

While the location quotient is just under the national average, the sheer size of California's workforce (124,240) suggests a considerable number of ongoing job opportunities for qualified supervisors.

How does experience impact salary for this role in California?

Experience is a key driver of salary increases, with senior supervisors earning substantially more than those new to the role, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 124,240 employees in the California area with a job density of 6.88 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.