Food Preparation Workers Salary in Western Washington

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Western Washington nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $36,230 +5.9% vs national
Median hourly $17.42
10th percentile $33,860
90th percentile $47,380
Employed locally 1,010
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Western Washington
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,860
    25th
    $34,520
    50th (median)
    $36,230
    75th
    $41,900
    90th
    $47,380

    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 Western Washington

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $35,690
    Waiters and Waitresses $46,020
    Cooks, Restaurant $40,150
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $49,430
    Bartenders $46,900
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $46,380

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Western Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Western Washington is $17.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.71 or more per hour.

    Is Western Washington above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Western Washington is 5.9% 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 Western Washington?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $33,860 per year in Western Washington. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,520.