Food Preparation Workers Salary in Tucson, AZ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Tucson, AZ

Median annual salary $34,430 +0.6% vs national
Median hourly $16.55
10th percentile $30,400
90th percentile $37,510
Employed locally 2,460
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Tucson, AZ
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,400
    25th
    $31,050
    50th (median)
    $34,430
    75th
    $36,000
    90th
    $37,510

    Tucson economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $67,929 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 51% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 49% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Tucson?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Tucson, AZ is $16.55, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.35 or more per hour.

    Is Tucson above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Tucson, AZ is 0.6% 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 Tucson?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $30,400 per year in Tucson, AZ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,050.