Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Nebraska

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

Median annual salary $29,260 -14.5% vs national
Median hourly $14.07
10th percentile $24,960
90th percentile $35,520
Employed locally 360
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Northwest Nebraska
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,960
    25th
    $27,770
    50th (median)
    $29,260
    75th
    $32,050
    90th
    $35,520

    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 Nebraska

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,630
    Waiters and Waitresses $28,810
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,430
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $34,270
    Bartenders $28,980
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,120

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Nebraska is $14.07, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.82 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northwest Nebraska is 14.5% 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 Nebraska?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $24,960 per year in Northwest Nebraska. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,770.