How Much Do Food Preparation Workers Make in New Jersey?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey earns $35,540 per year and takes home $30,202 ($2,517/month) — a keep-rate of 85%, with 24,730 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $2,961.67 |
| Federal income tax | $173.73 |
| Social Security | $183.62 |
| Medicare | $42.94 |
| New Jersey state income tax | $44.54 |
| You keep | $2,516.83 |
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in New Jersey?
The median Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey earns $35,540 per year (BLS May 2025), about $17.09 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$35,540 gross in New Jersey keeps $30,202 after federal income tax ($2,085), FICA ($2,719) and state income tax ($534) — $2,517 per month, a 85% keep-rate.
How does New Jersey compare to the national median for Food Preparation Workers?
The New Jersey median is $220 above the national median of $35,320.
Which state pays Food Preparation Workers the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Food Preparation Workers at $40,910 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Food Preparation Workers salary in every state · New Jersey paycheck calculator · New Jersey minimum wage