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Food Preparation Workers Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$39,600
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.0% vs 2024
$41,350
Mean Salary
$39,600
Median Salary
$19.04
Hourly Rate
3,970 people work as Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $39,600 per year ($3,300/month).
This is 17.9% above the national average of $33,596.
District of Columbia ranks #2 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 3,970 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia.
Salaries increased by 3.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Administration and Management
3.19
Public Safety and Security
2.99
Food Production
2.93
English Language
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(44.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia range from $37,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $45,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,070 and $44,040.
Median $39,600
P10: $37,510P25: $38,070P75: $44,040P90: $45,370
10th
$37,510
25th
$38,070
Median
$39,600
75th
$44,040
90th
$45,370
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,510
$18.03
$3,125
25th Percentile
$38,070
$18.30
$3,172
Median (50th)
$39,600
$19.04
$3,300
75th Percentile
$44,040
$21.17
$3,670
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$45,370
$21.81
$3,780
Note: The mean (average) salary of $41,350 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#2
District of Columbia ranks #2 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
+17.9%
vs. national average
Above Average
Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia is $39,600 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $41,350.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia range from $37,510 at the 10th percentile to $45,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,070 and $44,040.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in District of Columbia typically start around $37,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,070 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,970 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia is approximately $19.04 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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