Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest New York

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

Median annual salary $34,480 +0.8% vs national
Median hourly $16.58
10th percentile $31,200
90th percentile $45,140
Employed locally 1,050
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Southwest New York
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $31,200
    25th
    $31,220
    50th (median)
    $34,480
    75th
    $38,030
    90th
    $45,140

    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 New York

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $33,470
    Waiters and Waitresses $45,030
    Bartenders $36,130
    Cooks, Restaurant $37,640
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $43,530
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $32,050

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest New York is $16.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $19.29 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southwest New York is 0.8% 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 New York?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $31,200 per year in Southwest New York. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,220.