Food Preparation Worker Salary in Los Angeles, CA
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Los Angeles area earns $39,770 a year ($19.12 an hour), 13% above the U.S. median ($35,320) and 1% above the California median ($39,350). Half of the 44,930 food preparation workers there earn between $37,500 and $44,170.
| Annual pay | Los Angeles area | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,000 | $35,190 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $37,500 | $37,010 | $29,950 |
| Median | $39,770 | $39,350 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $44,170 | $44,540 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $46,810 | $48,470 | $45,340 |
| Average | $41,220 | $41,480 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 44,930 | 112,750 | 893,600 |
Los Angeles, CA ranks 4th of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for food preparation worker pay. Highest: San Jose, CA ($45,580).
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Check my payFood preparation worker pay in other cities
- San Jose, CA: $45,580
- San Francisco, CA: $41,000
- San Diego, CA: $38,780
- Seattle, WA: $43,830
- Boston, MA: $39,660
- Denver, CO: $39,470
- Portland, OR: $38,730
- Washington, DC: $37,630
- All cities
Similar jobs in Los Angeles, CA
- Restaurant Cook: $44,460
- Fast Food Worker: $42,110
- Waiter: $35,850
- Food Service Supervisor: $46,970
- Bartender: $35,510
- All jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.