Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$34,900$16.78 per hour · $2,908 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Merced, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $15.00/hr | $2,600 | $31,200 | $27,003 |
| 25th Percentile | $15.82/hr | $2,742 | $32,900 | $28,316 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $16.78/hr | $2,908 | $34,900 | $29,843 |
| 75th Percentile | $18.99/hr | $3,292 | $39,500 | $33,356 |
| 90th Percentile | $20.67/hr | $3,583 | $43,000 | $36,028 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Merced, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$34,900 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Merced, CA
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Merced, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Merced, CA is $34,900, which equates to approximately $2,908 per month or $16.78 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Merced, CA?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Merced, CA is $16.78 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $15.00/hour and one in ten earned more than $20.67/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Merced, CA?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Merced, CA span from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $32,900 at the 25th, $39,500 at the 75th, and $43,000 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Merced, CA?
On a median gross salary of $34,900, an estimated $29,843 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,148 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,057 (an effective rate of 14.5%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Merced, CA?
On the median annual salary of $34,900, gross monthly income is $2,908. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,487 per month (or $1,148 every two weeks).
Is $34,900 a good salary in Merced, CA?
At $34,900, the median salary for food preparation workers is 53.3% of the Merced, CA median household income ($65,510). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 98.3, making regional consumer goods and services 1.7% cheaper than the U.S. average.