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.

Full tool →
Food Preparation Workers
in
Modesto, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,340
    25th
    $34,600
    50th (median)
    $36,320
    75th
    $43,240
    90th
    $47,770

    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.