How Much Do Food Preparation Workers Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Food Preparation Workers in California earns $39,350 per year and takes home $33,234 ($2,770/month) — a keep-rate of 84.5%, with 112,750 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $3,279.17 |
| Federal income tax | $211.83 |
| Social Security | $203.31 |
| Medicare | $47.55 |
| California state income tax | $46.94 |
| You keep | $2,769.54 |
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in California?
The median Food Preparation Workers in California earns $39,350 per year (BLS May 2025), about $18.92 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$39,350 gross in California keeps $33,234 after federal income tax ($2,542), FICA ($3,010) and state income tax ($563) — $2,770 per month, a 84.5% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Food Preparation Workers?
The California median is $4,030 above the national median of $35,320.
Which state pays Food Preparation Workers the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Food Preparation Workers at $40,910 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Food Preparation Workers salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage