Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Florida

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

Median annual salary $35,980 +5.1% vs national
Median hourly $17.30
10th percentile $26,870
90th percentile $47,520
Employed locally 820
National median $34,220

Compare Food Preparation Workers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how South Florida stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Food Preparation Workers
in
South Florida
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,870
    25th
    $29,670
    50th (median)
    $35,980
    75th
    $38,980
    90th
    $47,520

    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 South Florida

    OccupationMedian salary
    Waiters and Waitresses $29,630
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,740
    Cooks, Restaurant $36,990
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $44,390
    Bartenders $29,200
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $30,200

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in South Florida is $17.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.46 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in South Florida is 5.1% 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 South Florida?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,870 per year in South Florida. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,670.