Food Preparation Workers Salary (2025)
Based on 893,600 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $25,810 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $29,950 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $35,320 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $38,550 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $45,340 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$26K
25th
$30K
Median
$35K
75th
$39K
90th
$45K
Highest Paying States for Food Preparation Workers
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Washington | $42,660 |
| Hawaii | $41,670 |
| California | $41,480 |
| District of Columbia | $41,350 |
| Massachusetts | $41,030 |
| Colorado | $40,210 |
| Oregon | $39,510 |
| Connecticut | $39,290 |
| Vermont | $38,850 |
| New York | $38,310 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Food Preparation Workers salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Washington at an average of $42,660 per year, while New York has an average of $38,310 — a difference of $4,350. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Food Preparation Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 893,600 workers were employed as Food Preparation Workerss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. The annual mean wage of $35,290 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 35-2021