Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Colorado

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

Median annual salary $40,220 +17.5% vs national
Median hourly $19.34
10th percentile $30,840
90th percentile $56,160
Employed locally 690
National median $34,220

Compare Food Preparation Workers salary & buying power

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Northwest Colorado
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,840
    25th
    $35,360
    50th (median)
    $40,220
    75th
    $47,170
    90th
    $56,160

    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 Colorado

    OccupationMedian salary
    Waiters and Waitresses$36,450
    Cooks, Restaurant$38,290
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$34,940
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$54,910
    Bartenders$35,100
    Dishwashers$35,710

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Colorado is $19.34, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.95 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northwest Colorado is 17.5% above 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 Colorado?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $30,840 per year in Northwest Colorado. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,360.