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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Stockton-Lodi, CA

Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi, CA, earn an average annual salary of $39,400, significantly surpassing the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local job market, reflecting a localized premium for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,560.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,190 Food Preparation Workers, Stockton-Lodi presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, there is still a consistent presence and demand for these roles within the region's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,400

The average Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi, CA earns+16.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.9

Weekly

$758

Monthly

$3,283

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Stockton-Lodi, CA

The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi typically scales with experience. 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. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.

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)$29,550$14.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,540$17.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$49,250$23.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,560$22.4

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,400 in Stockton-Lodi aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher wages effectively offset the cost of living in the area.

Job Market Context

1,190

Total Jobs

4.155

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

Stockton-Lodi, CA has 0.72x 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 0.72 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are slightly less concentrated in Stockton-Lodi compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market, where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$39,140↓ 1%29 mi
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$40,000↑ 2%42 mi
Vallejo, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$40,340↑ 2%51 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$44,070↑ 12%54 mi
Napa, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary$44,210↑ 12%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Stockton-Lodi, CA

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Stockton-Lodi, CA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi, CA is $39,400. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $46,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Stockton-Lodi, CA is 16.5% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Stockton-Lodi, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, it is slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi earn approximately $5,590 more annually than their national counterparts, with a cost of living that matches the national average.

Is Stockton-Lodi, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Stockton-Lodi, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($39,140) and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA.

How does the Stockton-Lodi Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi, CA is $39,400, which is higher than the national average of $33,810.

What is the Cost of Living in Stockton-Lodi, CA relative to the nation?

Stockton-Lodi, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.

How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Stockton-Lodi, CA?

There are approximately 1,190 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Stockton-Lodi, CA area.

Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers concentrated in Stockton-Lodi, CA?

The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Stockton-Lodi is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence in the 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 1,190 employees in the Stockton-Lodi, CA area with a job density of 4.155 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 Stockton-Lodi, CA