Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Food Preparation Workers Salary in Virginia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Virginia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$34,900
Median Annual Salary
▲
+10.8% vs 2024
$34,930
Mean Salary
$34,900
Median Salary
$16.78
Hourly Rate
16,340 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Virginia
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Virginia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in Virginia earn a median salary of $34,900 per year ($2,908/month).
This is 3.9% above the national average of $33,596.
Virginia ranks #24 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 16,340 people work in this occupation across Virginia.
Salaries increased by 10.8% 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 Virginia
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Virginia range from $28,460 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $42,480 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $30,940 and $37,310.
Median $34,900
P10: $28,460P25: $30,940P75: $37,310P90: $42,480
10th
$28,460
25th
$30,940
Median
$34,900
75th
$37,310
90th
$42,480
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$28,460
$13.68
$2,371
25th Percentile
$30,940
$14.88
$2,578
Median (50th)
$34,900
$16.78
$2,908
75th Percentile
$37,310
$17.94
$3,109
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$42,480
$20.42
$3,540
Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,930 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Virginia is $34,900 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,930.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Virginia?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Virginia range from $28,460 at the 10th percentile to $42,480 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $30,940 and $37,310.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Virginia?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Virginia typically start around $28,460 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $30,940 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Virginia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,340 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Virginia.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Virginia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Virginia is approximately $16.78 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.