SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Merced, CA

Food Preparation Workers in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $38,680, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated pay in Merced can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand within the region for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,620.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 390 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.86, Merced presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for this profession. The presence of nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand that supports the current employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,680

The average Food Preparation Workers in Merced, CA earns+14.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.6

Weekly

$744

Monthly

$3,223

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Merced typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are compensated at higher rates. The salary percentile gaps between junior and senior staff signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on acquired skills and experience.

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)$29,010$13.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,140$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,350$23.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,620$23.4

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,680 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

4.938

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Merced, CA has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in Merced, CA, compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$39,140↑ 1%37 mi
Fresno, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$38,880↑ 1%52 mi
Stockton-Lodi, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$39,400↑ 2%65 mi
Salinas, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$41,180↑ 6%77 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$44,070↑ 14%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Merced, CA is $38,680. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $48,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 14.4% higher than the national median of $33,810.

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

Yes, moderately so.Food Preparation Workers in Merced earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good relative earning potential.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($39,140) and Fresno, CA.

How does Merced's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?

Food Preparation Workers in Merced, CA, earn an average of $38,680 annually, which is $4,870 more than the national average of $33,810.

What is the Cost of Living in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning daily expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Merced, CA?

There are approximately 390 Food Preparation Workers employed in Merced, CA.

Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in Merced, CA?

The market is stable with nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.86, indicating consistent demand without excessive competition.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 4.938 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 Merced, CA