Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Louisiana

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

Median annual salary $21,720 -36.5% vs national
Median hourly $10.44
10th percentile $16,430
90th percentile $31,030
Employed locally 1,330
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Southwest Louisiana
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $16,430
    25th
    $20,570
    50th (median)
    $21,720
    75th
    $25,520
    90th
    $31,030

    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 Louisiana

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$21,480
    Waiters and Waitresses$15,620
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$30,760
    Cooks, Restaurant$24,420
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$24,340
    Bartenders$15,600

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Louisiana is $10.44, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $13.96 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southwest Louisiana is 36.5% 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 Southwest Louisiana?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $16,430 per year in Southwest Louisiana. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $20,570.