Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southern Michigan

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $28,970 -15.3% vs national
Median hourly $13.93
10th percentile $23,740
90th percentile $35,270
Employed locally 440
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Southern Michigan
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,740
    25th
    $28,080
    50th (median)
    $28,970
    75th
    $31,080
    90th
    $35,270

    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 Southern Michigan

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,110
    Waiters and Waitresses$34,150
    Cooks, Restaurant$31,940
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$36,690
    Bartenders$38,280
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$35,020

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Southern Michigan?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southern Michigan is $13.93, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.01 or more per hour.

    Is Southern Michigan above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southern Michigan is 15.3% 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 Southern Michigan?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,740 per year in Southern Michigan. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,080.