Food Preparation Workers Salary in El Paso, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • El Paso, TX

Median annual salary $23,980 -29.9% vs national
Median hourly $11.53
10th percentile $18,440
90th percentile $34,250
Employed locally 3,840
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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El Paso, TX
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    In El Paso, Texas, food preparation workers earn a median annual salary of $23,980, which is significantly lower than the national median for this occupation at $34,220. This reflects broader economic conditions in the area where the local unemployment rate stands at 4.20%. When compared to the area's median household income of $58,800, the earnings of typical food preparation workers are substantially less, highlighting a notable disparity between individual worker income and overall household earning power within this locale.

    For entry-level food preparation workers in El Paso, salaries can begin as low as $18,440 annually, representing the 10th percentile. As experience is gained, these workers see an increase in earnings, with those at the median earning around $23,980 yearly. Experienced workers, particularly those at or above the 75th percentile, earn approximately $28,120 annually, while those in the top 10% of earners can make up to $34,250 per year. The progression from entry-level to experienced positions is driven by factors such as tenure, skill acquisition, and workplace performance, contributing to the widening salary range within this occupation over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,440
    25th
    $21,890
    50th (median)
    $23,980
    75th
    $28,120
    90th
    $34,250

    El Paso economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $58,800 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 41% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 59% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in El Paso?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in El Paso, TX is $11.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.33 or more per hour.

    Is El Paso above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in El Paso, TX is 29.9% 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 El Paso?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $18,440 per year in El Paso, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,890.