Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwestern Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary $30,190 -11.8% vs national
Median hourly $14.52
10th percentile $22,560
90th percentile $40,970
Employed locally 380
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Northwestern Wisconsin
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,560
    25th
    $26,330
    50th (median)
    $30,190
    75th
    $36,260
    90th
    $40,970

    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 Northwestern Wisconsin

    OccupationMedian salary
    Bartenders$21,840
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,300
    Waiters and Waitresses$28,120
    Cooks, Restaurant$35,820
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,310
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$36,570

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern Wisconsin is $14.52, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.34 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northwestern Wisconsin is 11.8% 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 Northwestern Wisconsin?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,560 per year in Northwestern Wisconsin. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,330.