Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$33,700$16.20 per hour · $2,808 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
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 (NJ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $14.71/hr | $2,550 | $30,600 | $26,319 |
| 25th Percentile | $15.29/hr | $2,650 | $31,800 | $27,262 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $16.20/hr | $2,808 | $33,700 | $28,756 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.55/hr | $3,042 | $36,500 | $30,948 |
| 90th Percentile | $21.01/hr | $3,642 | $43,700 | $36,426 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$33,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in New Jersey:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $33,700, which equates to approximately $2,808 per month or $16.20 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $16.20 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $14.71/hour and one in ten earned more than $21.01/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ span from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $31,800 at the 25th, $36,500 at the 75th, and $43,700 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
On a median gross salary of $33,700, an estimated $28,756 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,106 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in New Jersey in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,944 (an effective rate of 14.7%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
On the median annual salary of $33,700, gross monthly income is $2,808. After federal, FICA, and New Jersey state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,396 per month (or $1,106 every two weeks).
Is $33,700 a good salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
At $33,700, the median salary for food preparation workers is 33.5% of the Trenton-Princeton, NJ median household income ($100,645). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 103.2, making regional consumer goods and services 3.2% more expensive than the U.S. average.