SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Fresno, CA

Food Preparation Workers in Fresno, CA, earn an average annual salary of $38,880, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated pay in Fresno can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand for these roles within the region's unique labor market dynamics.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,880 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,260.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,980 Food Preparation Workers, Fresno presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.73 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the absolute number indicates a consistent presence and ongoing need for these essential workers within the city's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,880

The average Food Preparation Workers in Fresno, CA earns+15.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$748

Monthly

$3,240

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Fresno, CA

Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Fresno typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

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)$29,160$14
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,220$17.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,600$23.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,260$22.7

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,880

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,880

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,880 in Fresno aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Fresno is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,980

Total Jobs

4.199

Per 1K Jobs

0.73

Location Quotient

Below Average

Fresno, CA has 0.73x 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 0.73 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in Fresno compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Fresno, CA is $38,880. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $47,260 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fresno, CA is 15.0% higher than the national median of $33,810.

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

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Fresno earn approximately $5,000 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes Fresno a financially stable location for these roles.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Fresno, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($40,040) and Visalia, CA.

How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Fresno compare nationally?

Fresno has 4.199 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate level of employment in this sector.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Fresno?

A Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests that while Fresno has a notable presence of Food Preparation Workers, the industry is not as heavily concentrated here as it is on a national scale.

Does cost of living affect the salary of Food Preparation Workers in Fresno?

No, the cost of living in Fresno is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the local salary of $38,880 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.

What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Fresno?

There are approximately 1,980 Food Preparation Workers employed in Fresno, CA, representing a significant segment of the local service industry workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,980 employees in the Fresno, CA area with a job density of 4.199 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.