Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Alabama

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $22,000 -35.7% vs national
Median hourly $10.58
10th percentile $17,890
90th percentile $29,990
Employed locally 380
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Northwest Alabama
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $17,890
    25th
    $20,380
    50th (median)
    $22,000
    75th
    $27,300
    90th
    $29,990

    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 Northwest Alabama

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food $23,250
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $22,520
    Waiters and Waitresses $21,160
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $33,210
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $22,980
    Cooks, Restaurant $28,230

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Northwest Alabama?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Alabama is $10.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.64 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Alabama above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northwest Alabama is 35.7% 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 Northwest Alabama?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $17,890 per year in Northwest Alabama. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $20,380.