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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Food Preparation Workers in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area earn an average annual salary of $39,630. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand within the region contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,040.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,900 Food Preparation Workers, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area demonstrates a substantial presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.91 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for food preparation services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,630

The average Food Preparation Workers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earns+17.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.1

Weekly

$762

Monthly

$3,303

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

The salary range for Food Preparation Workers typically expands with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with years of experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the clear career progression and increased earning potential available to dedicated individuals in this profession.

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)$29,723$14.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,990$18.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$49,538$23.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,040$22.1

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,630 for Food Preparation Workers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned in this role offers purchasing power that is consistent with the national standard, providing a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

8,900

Total Jobs

5.251

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA has 0.91x 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 0.91 for Food Preparation Workers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA suggests that the job market for this role is highly competitive and closely mirrors the national distribution. While not significantly overrepresented, the consistent presence indicates a healthy demand that aligns with the needs of the broader economy, offering steady employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

Comparing salaries near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is $39,630. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $46,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 17.2% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Food Preparation Workers in this area earn approximately $5,820 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that is on par with the national average, this makes the location financially advantageous.

Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($40,290) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Food Preparation Workers in Riverside?

The local workforce of 8,900 indicates a significant number of professionals in this field, suggesting a robust sector with ongoing opportunities, though competition may also be present.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.91 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Riverside?

A Location Quotient of 0.91 signifies that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Riverside is very close to the national average, implying a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable.

How does the cost of living in Riverside affect the value of the Food Preparation Worker salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $39,630 salary in Riverside holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will go as far as they would in a typical U.S. city.

Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?

With 5.251 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of employment for Food Preparation Workers is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy number of available positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,900 employees in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area with a job density of 5.251 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.