Food Preparation Workers Salary in Western Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary $33,650 -1.7% vs national
Median hourly $16.18
10th percentile $25,360
90th percentile $42,810
Employed locally 960
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Western Wisconsin
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,360
    25th
    $28,360
    50th (median)
    $33,650
    75th
    $37,760
    90th
    $42,810

    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 Wisconsin

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,770
    Bartenders $22,160
    Waiters and Waitresses $27,510
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,980
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,440
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $37,840

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Western Wisconsin is $16.18, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $19.22 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Western Wisconsin is 1.7% 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 Western Wisconsin?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $25,360 per year in Western Wisconsin. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,360.