Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central Louisiana

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $21,680 -36.6% vs national
Median hourly $10.42
10th percentile $16,370
90th percentile $28,720
Employed locally 1,350
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Central Louisiana
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $16,370
    25th
    $20,570
    50th (median)
    $21,680
    75th
    $24,060
    90th
    $28,720

    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 Central Louisiana

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$21,540
    Waiters and Waitresses$16,240
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$30,770
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$23,160
    Cooks, Restaurant$26,960
    Cooks, Short Order$22,830

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Central Louisiana?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Central Louisiana is $10.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $14.31 or more per hour.

    Is Central Louisiana above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Central Louisiana is 36.6% below 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 Central Louisiana?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $16,370 per year in Central Louisiana. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $20,570.