Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeastern Wisconsin

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $30,110 -12% vs national
Median hourly $14.48
10th percentile $24,890
90th percentile $38,670
Employed locally 1,620
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Northeastern Wisconsin
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,890
    25th
    $27,010
    50th (median)
    $30,110
    75th
    $35,900
    90th
    $38,670

    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 Northeastern Wisconsin

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,080
    Bartenders $22,940
    Waiters and Waitresses $26,030
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,180
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,870
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $37,160

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Northeastern Wisconsin?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern Wisconsin is $14.48, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.76 or more per hour.

    Is Northeastern Wisconsin above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northeastern Wisconsin is 12% 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 Northeastern Wisconsin?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $24,890 per year in Northeastern Wisconsin. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,010.