Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Central Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary $31,200 -8.8% vs national
Median hourly $15.00
10th percentile $24,120
90th percentile $39,660
Employed locally 1,780
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
South Central Wisconsin
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,120
    25th
    $28,080
    50th (median)
    $31,200
    75th
    $35,960
    90th
    $39,660

    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 South Central Wisconsin

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,060
    Waiters and Waitresses $28,350
    Bartenders $21,770
    Cooks, Restaurant $36,170
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $38,570
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $37,090

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in South Central Wisconsin is $15.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $19.86 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in South Central Wisconsin is 8.8% 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 South Central Wisconsin?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $24,120 per year in South Central Wisconsin. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,080.