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

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Median annual salary $33,950 -2.5% vs national
Median hourly $16.32
10th percentile $33,280
90th percentile $53,470
Employed locally 3,510
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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    In Riverside, CA, Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers earn a median annual salary of $33,950, which is slightly below the national median of $34,830 for this occupation. On an hourly basis, these workers earn approximately $16.32. When compared to the area's median household income of $86,031, it becomes evident that earnings in this field are significantly lower than those typical for households within Riverside. This discrepancy highlights a notable gap between what individuals working in food preparation and serving positions typically earn and the broader economic context of local household incomes.

    Entry-level workers in this occupation often find themselves earning near or below the 10th percentile mark, which is $33,280 annually, while experienced workers can reach salaries around the 75th percentile at approximately $36,290 per year. The disparity between entry-level and more seasoned employees largely stems from factors such as tenure, skill level, workplace performance, and sometimes educational qualifications or certifications that enhance job proficiency. Furthermore, those in higher-paying roles might possess specialized skills or hold positions of greater responsibility within their establishments, which contributes to the significant salary increase up to $53,470 at the 90th percentile for experienced workers.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,280
    25th
    $33,630
    50th (median)
    $33,950
    75th
    $36,290
    90th
    $53,470

    Riverside economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,031 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 Riverside?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in Riverside, CA is $16.32, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.46 or more per hour.

    Is Riverside 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 Riverside, CA is 2.5% below 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 Riverside?

    Entry-level Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other (10th percentile) earn around $33,280 per year in Riverside, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $33,630.