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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Chico, CA

Food Preparation Workers in Chico, California, earn an average annual salary of $37,550. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a potentially favorable compensation landscape in the region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this higher pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,770.
  • Outlook: Chico, CA, supports a local workforce of 410 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 5.293 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,550

The average Food Preparation Workers in Chico, CA earns+11.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.1

Weekly

$722

Monthly

$3,129

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Chico, CA

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Chico, CA, typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals can expect to earn significantly more than their less experienced counterparts. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect the value placed on accumulated skills, efficiency, and potential supervisory responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,163$13.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,680$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,938$22.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,770$21.5

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,550 in Chico, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Chico is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

410

Total Jobs

5.293

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chico, CA has 0.92x the national average concentration of Food Preparation 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 0.92 for Food Preparation Workers in Chico suggests that the job market for this profession is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, where the number of available positions is neither excessively high nor exceptionally low compared to the overall workforce, making it a moderately competitive environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Yuba City, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$37,120↓ 1%44 mi
Redding, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$37,080↓ 1%63 mi
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$40,000↑ 7%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Chico, CA

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Chico, CA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Chico, CA is $37,550. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $44,770 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chico, CA is 11.1% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Chico, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, Chico, CA offers competitive compensation for Food Preparation Workers.Food Preparation Workers in Chico earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially favorable for these roles.

Is Chico, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Chico, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chico, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Yuba City, CA ($37,120) and Redding, CA.

How does the Chico salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Chico, CA, is $37,550, which is higher than the national average of $33,810.

What is the job market like for Food Preparation Workers in Chico?

The job market is stable, with a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.92) and a consistent number of jobs available relative to the workforce.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Chico?

No, the cost of living in Chico is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.92 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Chico?

A Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the proportion of Food Preparation Workers in Chico's workforce is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a balanced and moderately competitive job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Chico, CA area with a job density of 5.293 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chico, CA