Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Arkansas

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $26,980 -21.2% vs national
Median hourly $12.97
10th percentile $23,290
90th percentile $31,180
Employed locally 390
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
West Arkansas
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,290
    25th
    $25,020
    50th (median)
    $26,980
    75th
    $28,660
    90th
    $31,180

    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 West Arkansas

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $25,720
    Waiters and Waitresses $24,440
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $29,530
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $28,870
    Cooks, Restaurant $27,870
    Dishwashers $25,120

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in West Arkansas?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in West Arkansas is $12.97, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.27 or more per hour.

    Is West Arkansas above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in West Arkansas is 21.2% 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 West Arkansas?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,290 per year in West Arkansas. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $25,020.