Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Montana

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

Median annual salary $30,350 -11.3% vs national
Median hourly $14.59
10th percentile $26,140
90th percentile $36,510
Employed locally 210
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Southwest Montana
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,140
    25th
    $27,630
    50th (median)
    $30,350
    75th
    $34,620
    90th
    $36,510

    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 Montana

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,000
    Cooks, Restaurant $36,390
    Waiters and Waitresses $22,190
    Bartenders $22,100
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $40,320
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,060

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Montana is $14.59, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.61 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southwest Montana is 11.3% 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 Southwest Montana?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,140 per year in Southwest Montana. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,630.