Food Preparation Worker salary in California
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A food preparation worker in California earns a median of $39,350 a year ($18.92/hour equivalent), 11.4% above the national median of $35,320. California ranks #3 of 51 states. About 112,750 people do this job in California.
Take-home pay in California
At the California median, a single filer keeps about $32,729 a year after federal, FICA and California taxes — $1,259 every two weeks. Try your own numbers with the California paycheck calculator.
- Gross pay
- $1,513.46
- Federal income tax
- −$97.77
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$93.83
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$21.95
- California income tax
- −$21.41
- CA SDI
- −$19.67
- Take-home pay
- $1,258.83
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $39,350
- Federal
- $2,542
- FICA
- $3,010
- State + local
- $1,068
- Net
- $32,729
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 4.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
How California compares
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $40,910 |
| #2 | District of Columbia | $39,600 |
| #3 | California | $39,350 |
| #4 | Colorado | $38,960 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $38,900 |
| #49 | Kentucky | $26,850 |
| #50 | Mississippi | $26,240 |
| #51 | Louisiana | $23,620 |
See the national food preparation worker salary page for the full pay range and all states.
BLS occupation: Food Preparation Workers (SOC 35-2021), May 2025, state estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food preparation worker make in California?
The median salary is $39,350 a year and the average is $41,480 (BLS May 2025).
Is California a good state for food preparation workers?
California ranks #3 of 51 states for median pay in this job, 11% above the national median of $35,320.
What is $39,350 after taxes in California?
About $32,729 a year ($1,259 every two weeks) for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.