Food Preparation Workers Salary in New Jersey

Food preparation workers in New Jersey earn the most in Atlantic City (average $37,770 a year) and the least in Vineland ($36,490), across the 3 New Jersey metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the food preparation workers average at $37,680 and the median at $35,540 for 24,730 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $35,290.

Food Preparation Workers average salary by city in New Jersey

Atlantic City$37,770
Trenton$37,610
Vineland$36,490

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Atlantic City	$37,770	$35,810	$33,540	$31,924	99
Trenton	$37,610	$35,950	$33,970	$31,801	103
Vineland	$36,490	$35,240	$32,410	$30,940	96

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; New Jersey's employee unemployment, disability and family-leave contributions are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Food Preparation Workers salary in other states

Food Preparation Workers salary by city and state

More about pay in New Jersey

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 35-2021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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