Published on

Best States for Food Preparation Workers: Highest-paid Food Preparation Workers by State

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Carter A
    Twitter

Food preparation workers are responsible for assisting in the preparation of meals, ensuring ingredients are properly measured and ingredients are ready for cooking.

This article will explore the best states for food preparation workers, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid food preparation workers are in District of Columbia, where they earn an average of $38,670 per year.
  • The lowest-paid food preparation workers are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $20,550 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for food preparation workers is $30,107 per year.

1. District of Columbia ($38,670)

District of Columbia Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in District of Columbia is $38,670, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$38,670
10th Percentile$33,900
25th Percentile$34,330
75th Percentile$41,060
90th Percentile$46,380

2. Washington ($38,420)

Washington Food Preparation Workers in Washington earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in Washington is $38,420, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$38,420
10th Percentile$31,280
25th Percentile$34,340
75th Percentile$41,600
90th Percentile$46,280

3. Colorado ($38,030)

Colorado Food Preparation Workers in Colorado earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in Colorado is $38,030, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$38,030
10th Percentile$28,820
25th Percentile$32,470
75th Percentile$42,060
90th Percentile$45,760

4. Hawaii ($37,580)

Hawaii Food Preparation Workers in Hawaii earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in Hawaii is $37,580, which is +25% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$37,580
10th Percentile$27,440
25th Percentile$29,050
75th Percentile$44,360
90th Percentile$53,890

5. Massachusetts ($37,050)

Massachusetts Food Preparation Workers in Massachusetts earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in Massachusetts is $37,050, which is +23% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$37,050
10th Percentile$30,950
25th Percentile$33,050
75th Percentile$37,130
90th Percentile$46,480

6. New York ($36,900)

New York Food Preparation Workers in New York earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in New York is $36,900, which is +23% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$36,900
10th Percentile$28,960
25th Percentile$30,610
75th Percentile$39,170
90th Percentile$47,920

7. California ($35,750)

California Food Preparation Workers in California earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in California is $35,750, which is +19% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$35,750
10th Percentile$30,110
25th Percentile$31,520
75th Percentile$37,200
90th Percentile$43,010

8. Oregon ($34,630)

Oregon Food Preparation Workers in Oregon earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in Oregon is $34,630, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$34,630
10th Percentile$28,870
25th Percentile$30,230
75th Percentile$36,700
90th Percentile$42,850

9. Connecticut ($34,570)

Connecticut Food Preparation Workers in Connecticut earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in Connecticut is $34,570, which is +15% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$34,570
10th Percentile$28,530
25th Percentile$29,280
75th Percentile$36,240
90th Percentile$44,740

10. New Jersey ($34,080)

New Jersey Food Preparation Workers in New Jersey earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for food preparation workers in New Jersey is $34,080, which is +13% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$34,080
10th Percentile$27,720
25th Percentile$29,120
75th Percentile$36,580
90th Percentile$44,860

Conclusion

The highest-paid food preparation workers are in District of Columbia, where they earn an average of $38,670 per year. The lowest-paid food preparation workers are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $20,550 per year. The U.S. average salary for food preparation workers is $30,107 per year and there are 911,120 jobs in the field.