Food Preparation Workers Salary in New Jersey
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - NJ
Median Annual Salary in New Jersey
$34,872
$16.77 / hour
▲ 20.0% above national avg
National Median
$29,060
$13.97 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$27,308
Missouri equivalent (COL: 127.7)
Food Preparation Workers Salary in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $18,482 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,108 |
| 50th (Median) | $34,872 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,123 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $59,980 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The New Jersey median salary of $34,872 for Food Preparation Workers has the purchasing power of approximately $27,308 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
New Jersey's higher cost of living (COL index: 127.7) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in New Jersey?
Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey earn a median annual salary of $34,872 per year ($16.77/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $29,060.
Is New Jersey a good state for Food Preparation Workers?
New Jersey pays above the national average for food preparation workers, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in New Jersey is higher average (COL index: 127.7).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 127.7 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $34,872 salary in New Jersey has the purchasing power of approximately $27,308 in Missouri. Higher living costs in New Jersey reduce real purchasing power.
How does New Jersey compare to neighboring states for Food Preparation Workers salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Food Preparation Workers salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in New Jersey
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $398,640 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $371,904 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $367,464 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $354,720 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $353,424 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $326,256 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $299,758 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $292,008 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey
Food Preparation Workers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: No formal credential