Food Preparation Workers Salary in Arizona

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Arizona nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $34,490 +0.8% vs national
Median hourly $16.58
10th percentile $29,850
90th percentile $37,100
Employed locally 730
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Arizona
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,850
    25th
    $30,890
    50th (median)
    $34,490
    75th
    $34,850
    90th
    $37,100

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Related occupations in Arizona

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$31,160
    Waiters and Waitresses$34,660
    Cooks, Restaurant$34,570
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,840
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$32,780
    Bartenders$36,260

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Arizona?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Arizona is $16.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $19.46 or more per hour.

    Is Arizona above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Arizona is 0.8% above the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Arizona?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,850 per year in Arizona. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,890.