Food Preparation Workers Salary in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA · 1,390 employed
The average Food Preparation Workers salary in Santa Maria, CA is $39,900 per year. The middle 50% of Food Preparation Workerss earn between $35,080 and $43,520. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $47,670 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $34,130. The median of $37,180 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Breakdown in Santa Maria, CA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $34,130 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,080 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $37,180 |
| Mean (Average) | $39,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,520 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $47,670 |
Related Jobs in Santa Maria, CA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $76,000 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $49,910 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $47,900 |
| Bartenders | $43,180 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $42,890 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $41,080 |
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 Santa Maria, CA?
The average Food Preparation Workers salary in Santa Maria, CA is $39,900 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Food Preparation Workers salary in Santa Maria, CA?
The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Santa Maria, CA is $37,180 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 Santa Maria, CA?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workerss in Santa Maria, CA typically earn around $34,130 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $35,080.
What do the highest-paid Food Preparation Workerss earn in Santa Maria, CA?
The highest-paid Food Preparation Workerss in Santa Maria, CA earn $47,670 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $43,520.
How many Food Preparation Workerss work in Santa Maria, CA?
There are approximately 1,390 Food Preparation Workerss employed in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area, per BLS OEWS.