National Salary Overview
VS
Food Preparation Workers earns $1,212 more (4.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$31,295
$30,083
Average (Mean) Salary
$32,435
$35,911
Total Employment
879,610
2,237,890
States with Higher Pay
31
20
Salary by State: Food Preparation Workers vs Waiters and Waitresses
Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Food Preparation Workers pays more in 31 states; Waiters and Waitresses pays more in 20.
| State | Food Preparation Workers | Waiters and Waitresses | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $23,880 | $20,210 | +$3,670 | ||
| Alaska | $36,360 | $26,610 | +$9,750 | ||
| Arizona | $33,680 | $43,780 | $-10,100 | ||
| Arkansas | $28,850 | $26,160 | +$2,690 | ||
| California | $37,130 | $34,780 | +$2,350 | ||
| Colorado | $37,470 | $33,020 | +$4,450 | ||
| Connecticut | $34,690 | $35,530 | $-840 | ||
| Delaware | $30,080 | $28,150 | +$1,930 | ||
| District of Columbia | $37,630 | $37,390 | +$240 | ||
| Florida | $31,950 | $29,940 | +$2,010 | ||
| Georgia | $29,720 | $23,030 | +$6,690 | ||
| Hawaii | $36,360 | $28,180 | +$8,180 | ||
| Idaho | $28,970 | $29,710 | $-740 | ||
| Illinois | $31,660 | $28,030 | +$3,630 | ||
| Indiana | $30,030 | $23,990 | +$6,040 | ||
| Iowa | $28,700 | $27,000 | +$1,700 | ||
| Kansas | $28,790 | $30,520 | $-1,730 | ||
| Kentucky | $27,630 | $21,360 | +$6,270 | ||
| Louisiana | $22,390 | $22,230 | +$160 | ||
| Maine | $34,020 | $37,920 | $-3,900 | ||
| Maryland | $33,220 | $33,760 | $-540 | ||
| Massachusetts | $36,520 | $35,070 | +$1,450 | ||
| Michigan | $31,920 | $35,400 | $-3,480 | ||
| Minnesota | $33,810 | $23,850 | +$9,960 | ||
| Mississippi | $23,720 | $20,330 | +$3,390 | ||
| Missouri | $28,670 | $33,010 | $-4,340 | ||
| Montana | $29,550 | $20,990 | +$8,560 | ||
| Nebraska | $29,690 | $30,120 | $-430 | ||
| Nevada | $34,210 | $24,960 | +$9,250 | ||
| New Hampshire | $34,420 | $34,730 | $-310 | ||
| New Jersey | $34,670 | $37,270 | $-2,600 | ||
| New Mexico | $27,300 | $30,350 | $-3,050 | ||
| New York | $36,540 | $41,540 | $-5,000 | ||
| North Carolina | $27,820 | $21,060 | +$6,760 | ||
| North Dakota | $34,390 | $29,540 | +$4,850 | ||
| Ohio | $29,040 | $28,950 | +$90 | ||
| Oklahoma | $28,110 | $19,140 | +$8,970 | ||
| Oregon | $35,850 | $31,110 | +$4,740 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $28,640 | $29,710 | $-1,070 | ||
| Rhode Island | $30,700 | $31,940 | $-1,240 | ||
| South Carolina | $28,320 | $18,680 | +$9,640 | ||
| South Dakota | $28,260 | $28,000 | +$260 | ||
| Tennessee | $27,090 | $27,060 | +$30 | ||
| Texas | $28,890 | $27,030 | +$1,860 | ||
| Utah | $31,590 | $31,860 | $-270 | ||
| Vermont | $34,750 | $60,300 | $-25,550 | ||
| Virginia | $29,280 | $34,150 | $-4,870 | ||
| Washington | $40,390 | $48,980 | $-8,590 | ||
| West Virginia | $27,510 | $27,950 | $-440 | ||
| Wisconsin | $30,080 | $28,090 | +$1,990 | ||
| Wyoming | $31,140 | $21,790 | +$9,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
On average across all states, a Food Preparation Workers earns more than a Waiters and Waitresses. The national median salary difference is $1,212 (4.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Food Preparation Workers earn more than a Waiters and Waitresses?
A Food Preparation Workers earns a higher median salary than a Waiters and Waitresses in 31 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Waiters and Waitresses pays more in 20 states.
What is the median salary for a Food Preparation Workers vs Waiters and Waitresses?
The national median salary for a Food Preparation Workers is $31,295 per year, compared to $30,083 for a Waiters and Waitresses, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
There are more people employed as Waiters and Waitresses. BLS reports approximately 879,610 Food Preparation Workers positions and 2,237,890 Waiters and Waitresses positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Both Food Preparation Workers and Waiters and Waitresses are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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