Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Virginia

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

Median annual salary $29,800 -12.9% vs national
Median hourly $14.33
10th percentile $26,100
90th percentile $35,850
Employed locally 240
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Northwest Virginia
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,100
    25th
    $28,280
    50th (median)
    $29,800
    75th
    $33,250
    90th
    $35,850

    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 Virginia

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,570
    Waiters and Waitresses$34,410
    Cooks, Restaurant$35,770
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,070
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$32,700
    Bartenders$36,750

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia is $14.33, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.58 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northwest Virginia is 12.9% 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 Virginia?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,100 per year in Northwest Virginia. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,280.