Food Preparation Workers Salary in San Diego, CA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA · 8,010 employed
The average Food Preparation Workers salary in San Diego, CA is $40,310 per year. The middle 50% of Food Preparation Workerss earn between $36,270 and $43,570. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $47,050 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $34,690. The median of $38,130 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Breakdown in San Diego, CA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $34,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,270 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $38,130 |
| Mean (Average) | $40,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,570 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $47,050 |
Related Jobs in San Diego, CA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $71,720 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $47,320 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $46,930 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $46,160 |
| Bartenders | $46,110 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $43,990 |
Food Preparation Workers Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $47,010 |
| Napa, CA | $44,210 |
| San Jose, CA | $44,070 |
| Boulder, CO | $43,100 |
| Seattle, WA | $42,840 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $42,250 |
| San Francisco, CA | $42,070 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $41,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in San Diego, CA?
The average Food Preparation Workers salary in San Diego, CA is $40,310 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Food Preparation Workers salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Food Preparation Workers salary in San Diego, CA is $38,130 per year. Half of Food Preparation Workerss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Food Preparation Workerss make in San Diego, CA?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workerss in San Diego, CA typically earn around $34,690 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $36,270.
What do the highest-paid Food Preparation Workerss earn in San Diego, CA?
The highest-paid Food Preparation Workerss in San Diego, CA earn $47,050 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $43,570.
How many Food Preparation Workerss work in San Diego, CA?
There are approximately 8,010 Food Preparation Workerss employed in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area, per BLS OEWS.