Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central Oregon

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

Median annual salary $34,090 -0.4% vs national
Median hourly $16.39
10th percentile $29,240
90th percentile $40,130
Employed locally 460
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Central Oregon
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,240
    25th
    $30,220
    50th (median)
    $34,090
    75th
    $36,530
    90th
    $40,130

    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 Oregon

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$31,030
    Waiters and Waitresses$30,740
    Cooks, Restaurant$36,350
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$41,390
    Bartenders$31,570
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$36,560

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Central Oregon is $16.39, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.06 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Central Oregon is 0.4% 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 Oregon?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,240 per year in Central Oregon. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,220.