Food Preparation Workers Salary in New Orleans, LA

In New Orleans, LA, food preparation workers earn a median annual salary of $24,150 and a median hourly wage of $11.61. This figure is significantly lower than the national median for the occupation at $34,220. When compared to the local area's median household income of $62,271, it becomes evident that food preparation work typically provides earnings well below the average household standard in New Orleans. Despite an estimated employment of 7,870 individuals within this sector and a relatively low local unemployment rate of 4.40%, workers in this field face considerable financial challenges relative to broader economic conditions.

Entry-level food preparation workers in New Orleans earn around $18,410 annually (10th percentile), while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $22,240 per year. In contrast, more experienced workers at the 75th percentile earn about $28,330, with those at the higher end of the spectrum (90th percentile) earning up to $34,280. The disparity in earnings is largely driven by factors such as experience, skill level, and potentially shift differentials or additional responsibilities undertaken within food service roles. These differences underscore how gaining expertise and taking on more complex tasks can lead to significant salary increases for workers in this field.