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 Washington
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Washington?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$40,910
Median Annual Salary
▲
+5.0% vs 2024
$42,660
Mean Salary
$40,910
Median Salary
$19.67
Hourly Rate
19,510 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Washington
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Washington
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in Washington earn a median salary of $40,910 per year ($3,409/month).
This is 21.8% above the national average of $33,596.
Washington ranks #1 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 19,510 people work in this occupation across Washington.
Salaries increased by 5.0% 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 Washington
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Washington range from $34,890 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $51,730 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,880 and $47,390.
Median $40,910
P10: $34,890P25: $35,880P75: $47,390P90: $51,730
10th
$34,890
25th
$35,880
Median
$40,910
75th
$47,390
90th
$51,730
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$34,890
$16.77
$2,907
25th Percentile
$35,880
$17.25
$2,990
Median (50th)
$40,910
$19.67
$3,409
75th Percentile
$47,390
$22.78
$3,949
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$51,730
$24.87
$4,310
Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,660 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Washington?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Washington is $40,910 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,660.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Washington?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Washington range from $34,890 at the 10th percentile to $51,730 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,880 and $47,390.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Washington?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Washington typically start around $34,890 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,880 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 19,510 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Washington is approximately $19.67 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.