Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $33,460 -2.2% vs national
Median hourly $16.09
10th percentile $29,990
90th percentile $47,880
Employed locally 340
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Eastern and Southern Colorado
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,990
    25th
    $30,280
    50th (median)
    $33,460
    75th
    $40,030
    90th
    $47,880

    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 Eastern and Southern Colorado

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $31,050
    Waiters and Waitresses $33,280
    Cooks, Restaurant $35,210
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $44,370
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,980
    Bartenders $32,670

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Eastern and Southern Colorado?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern and Southern Colorado is $16.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.42 or more per hour.

    Is Eastern and Southern Colorado above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado is 2.2% 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 Eastern and Southern Colorado?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,990 per year in Eastern and Southern Colorado. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,280.