Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $27,560 -19.5% vs national
Median hourly $13.25
10th percentile $17,300
90th percentile $36,210
Employed locally 620
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Southwestern Pennsylvania
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $17,300
    25th
    $21,520
    50th (median)
    $27,560
    75th
    $30,060
    90th
    $36,210

    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 Southwestern Pennsylvania

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $23,660
    Waiters and Waitresses $27,550
    Cooks, Restaurant $31,200
    Bartenders $20,720
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,200
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $31,080

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Southwestern Pennsylvania?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania is $13.25, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.20 or more per hour.

    Is Southwestern Pennsylvania above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania is 19.5% 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $17,300 per year in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,520.