Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $36,500 +4.8% vs national
Median hourly $17.55
10th percentile $34,080
90th percentile $55,580
Employed locally 12,980
National median $34,830

Compare Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other salary & buying power

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Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, the typical Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker earns a median annual salary of $36,500, which translates to approximately $17.55 per hour. This salary is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $34,830. Comparatively, the local household income in Los Angeles has an area median of $93,525. When viewed against these figures, it becomes apparent that while food preparation workers earn more than their counterparts on a national scale, their earnings still fall significantly below the median income for households in the region.

    At the entry-level, Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers in Los Angeles can expect to earn around the 10th percentile mark of $34,080 annually. In contrast, those with experience or who have advanced within their roles might see salaries approaching the 75th percentile at $43,130 per year, with top earners reaching up to the 90th percentile and earning as much as $55,580 annually. The substantial difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers can be attributed to a combination of factors including tenure, skill level, specialization within food service roles, and individual performance. These elements collectively influence wage progression and highlight the potential for financial growth with increased experience and expertise in the field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,080
    25th
    $34,870
    50th (median)
    $36,500
    75th
    $43,130
    90th
    $55,580

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other salary vs area income 39% Median Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other salary is 61% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in Los Angeles, CA is $17.55, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.18 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other salaries?

    The median Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other salary in Los Angeles, CA is 4.8% above the national median of $34,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other (10th percentile) earn around $34,080 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,870.