Alabama ranks 48th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $13,440 — a 53% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $19,600 to $36,670 — a $17,070 spread, 18% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Alabama than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.21 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.21× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $19,600 | $9.43 |
| 25th percentile | $21,260 | $10.22 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $25,510 | $12.26 |
| 75th percentile | $31,050 | $14.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,670 | $17.63 |
| Mean (average) | $26,660 | $12.82 |
How Alabama Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (current) | $25,510 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +53% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +52% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +51% |
| California | $38,150 | +50% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +48% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +46% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +45% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +44% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Alabama
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $25,480 | 340 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $25,340 | 1,280 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $24,960 | 4,290 |
| School Bus Monitors | $26,590 | 120 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $24,340 | 70 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $26,690 | 25,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Alabama?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Alabama is $26,660 per year. The median (middle) salary is $25,510 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Alabama?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Alabama typically earn around $19,600 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $21,260 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Alabama?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Alabama make approximately $36,670 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $31,050 per year.
How does the Alabama Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Alabama is $25,510, which is -25% below national average of $34,220.