Food Preparation Workers Salary in Urban Honolulu, HI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Urban Honolulu, HI

Median annual salary $36,960 +8% vs national
Median hourly $17.77
10th percentile $29,820
90th percentile $61,680
Employed locally 3,320
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Urban Honolulu, HI
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    In Urban Honolulu, HI, food preparation workers typically earn a median annual salary of $36,960, which is higher than the national median of $34,220 for the same occupation. This translates to a median hourly wage of $17.77. When comparing this income to the local area's median household income of $104,264, it becomes evident that food preparation workers earn significantly less on average than many other households in the region. Despite the relatively higher earnings compared to the national median, these workers still face challenges in meeting the cost-of-living expenses prevalent in a high-cost urban environment like Honolulu.

    Entry-level food preparation workers generally earn around $29,820 annually, which places them at the 10th percentile of the income distribution for this occupation. As they gain experience and advance in their roles, wages tend to increase substantially, with those in the 75th percentile earning up to $43,580 per year. At the higher end of the spectrum, workers at the 90th percentile earn approximately $61,680 annually. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers' earnings is driven by factors such as skill acquisition, job performance, tenure, and possibly additional responsibilities or specialized skills acquired over time. This progression underscores the potential for income growth within this field, contingent upon gaining experience and demonstrating competence in food preparation tasks.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,820
    25th
    $31,950
    50th (median)
    $36,960
    75th
    $43,580
    90th
    $61,680

    Urban Honolulu economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $104,264 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 35% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 65% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Urban Honolulu?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Urban Honolulu, HI is $17.77, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.34 or more per hour.

    Is Urban Honolulu above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Urban Honolulu, HI is 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 Urban Honolulu?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,820 per year in Urban Honolulu, HI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,950.