Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Virginia

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

Median annual salary $29,280 -14.4% vs national
Median hourly $14.08
10th percentile $24,960
90th percentile $35,820
Employed locally 520
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Southwest Virginia
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,960
    25th
    $26,710
    50th (median)
    $29,280
    75th
    $32,240
    90th
    $35,820

    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 Virginia

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,270
    Waiters and Waitresses$30,250
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$36,990
    Cooks, Restaurant$35,670
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$29,510
    Cooks, Fast Food$29,110

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Virginia is $14.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.66 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southwest Virginia is 14.4% 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 Virginia?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $24,960 per year in Southwest Virginia. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,710.