Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Modesto, CA
Food Preparation Workers in Modesto, CA, earn an average annual salary of $39,140, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated pay in Modesto can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demands of the food service industry within the region, influencing compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,770.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,080 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.96, Modesto presents a stable job market for this profession. While the concentration is slightly below the national average, the presence of a substantial workforce indicates consistent demand and opportunities within the area's food service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Modesto, CA earns+15.8%above the national average.
$18.8
$753
$3,262
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Modesto have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a steady increase in earning potential for individuals in this field within the region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Modesto typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are often accompanied by higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay, from the lower end for trainees to the higher end for experienced professionals, clearly signify the rewards of gaining experience and mastering culinary skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,340 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,355 | $14.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,320 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,925 | $23.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,770 | $23 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,140 in Modesto, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Modesto is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
1,080
Total Jobs
5.537
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Modesto, CA has 0.96x 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 0.96 for Food Preparation Workers in Modesto suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available but not necessarily in oversupply, reflecting a healthy balance between job seekers and available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,400↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| Merced, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,680↓ 1% | 37 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $44,070↑ 13% | 53 mi |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,000↑ 2% | 69 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,020↓ 0% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Modesto, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Modesto, CA is $39,140. This typically ranges from $33,340 for entry-level positions to $47,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 15.8% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, Modesto offers competitive compensation for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $39,140 is above the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating good purchasing power for these workers.
Is Modesto, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($39,400) and Merced, CA.
How does Modesto's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Modesto, CA, earn an average of $39,140 annually, which is approximately $5,330 more than the national average of $33,810.
What is the job market like for Food Preparation Workers in Modesto?
Modesto has a substantial workforce of 1,080 Food Preparation Workers, with a job concentration (Location Quotient) very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles.
Does the cost of living in Modesto affect the value of the Food Preparation Worker salary?
No, the cost of living in Modesto is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $39,140 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Food Preparation Worker jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Modesto?
There are approximately 5.537 jobs for Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in Modesto, CA, reflecting the local industry's employment needs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,080 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 5.537 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Modesto, CA