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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wisconsin

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Wisconsin?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$34,070
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.8% vs 2024
$34,000
Mean Salary
$34,070
Median Salary
$16.38
Hourly Rate
17,990 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin

Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Wisconsin

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Food Preparation Workers salary in Wisconsin — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin.10thBottom 10% earn less than $26,080$26,08025th25% earn less than $28,870$28,870MedianHalf earn more than $34,070$34,07075th75% earn less than $37,940$37,94090thTop 10% earn more than $44,290$44,290

Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $34,070 per year ($2,839/month). This is 1.4% above the national average of $33,596. Wisconsin ranks #28 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay. Approximately 17,990 people work in this occupation across Wisconsin. Salaries increased by 3.8% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin

Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin range from $26,080 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,290 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,870 and $37,940.

Median $34,070
P10: $26,080 P25: $28,870 P75: $37,940 P90: $44,290
10th
$26,080
25th
$28,870
Median
$34,070
75th
$37,940
90th
$44,290
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $26,080 $12.54 $2,173
25th Percentile $28,870 $13.88 $2,405
Median (50th) $34,070 $16.38 $2,839
75th Percentile $37,940 $18.24 $3,161
90th Percentile (Experienced) $44,290 $21.29 $3,690

Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,000 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#28
Wisconsin ranks #28 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
+1.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Wisconsin:

What does this salary really buy? See Food Preparation Workers salary in Wisconsin adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Preparation Workers take-home pay in Wisconsin after taxes →

Explore Food Preparation Workers Data in Wisconsin

Food Preparation Workers Salary by State

Compare Food Preparation Workers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin is $34,070 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,000.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin range from $26,080 at the 10th percentile to $44,290 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,870 and $37,940.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Wisconsin typically start around $26,080 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,870 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 17,990 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin is approximately $16.38 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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