Food Preparation Workers Salary in Modesto, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Modesto, CA
Median annual salary
$36,320
+6.1% vs national
Median hourly
$17.46
10th percentile
$33,340
90th percentile
$47,770
Employed locally
1,080
National median
$34,220
Compare Food Preparation Workers salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Modesto, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.
Food Preparation Workers
in
Modesto, CA
vs
Salary percentile breakdown
Modesto economic context
Unemployment rate
6.90%
2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
Median household income
$79,661
2023 • Census ACS
Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income
46%
Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 54% below the area median household income
Frequently asked questions
How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Modesto?
The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Modesto, CA is $17.46, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.02 or more per hour.
Is Modesto above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?
The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Modesto, CA is 6.1% above the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Modesto?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $33,340 per year in Modesto, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,600.