Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Colorado

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $38,390 +12.2% vs national
Median hourly $18.46
10th percentile $30,770
90th percentile $51,120
Employed locally 520
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Southwest Colorado
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,770
    25th
    $35,450
    50th (median)
    $38,390
    75th
    $45,860
    90th
    $51,120

    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 Southwest Colorado

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $31,140
    Waiters and Waitresses $34,860
    Cooks, Restaurant $37,540
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $44,710
    Bartenders $34,780
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $38,220

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Southwest Colorado?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Colorado is $18.46, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.88 or more per hour.

    Is Southwest Colorado above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southwest Colorado is 12.2% 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 Southwest Colorado?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $30,770 per year in Southwest Colorado. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,450.