Arizona ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $3,470 — a 10% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $30,710 to $42,850 — a $12,140 spread, 42% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Arizona employs roughly 1.7% of all food preparation workers in the country (15,500 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $30,710 | $14.76 |
| 25th percentile | $33,780 | $16.24 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| 75th percentile | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,850 | $20.60 |
| Mean (average) | $36,550 | $17.57 |
How Arizona Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona (current) | $35,480 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +10% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +9% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +8% |
| California | $38,150 | +8% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +6% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +5% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +4% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Arizona
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,540 | 4,700 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $35,400 | 23,560 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $35,560 | 910 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $35,570 | 5,910 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $35,360 | 3,380 |
| Recreation Workers | $35,340 | 11,820 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Arizona?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Arizona is $36,550 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,480 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Arizona?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Arizona typically earn around $30,710 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $33,780 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Arizona?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Arizona make approximately $42,850 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,580 per year.
How does the Arizona Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Arizona is $35,480, which is +4% above national average of $34,220.