Colorado ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $280 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,930 to $48,380 — a $16,450 spread, 21% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Colorado than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.68 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.47× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,930 | $15.35 |
| 25th percentile | $35,750 | $17.19 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,670 | $18.59 |
| 75th percentile | $44,330 | $21.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| Mean (average) | $40,210 | $19.33 |
How Colorado Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (current) | $38,670 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +1% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | -1% |
| California | $38,150 | -1% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | -4% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | -4% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | -5% |
| Oregon | $36,390 | -6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Colorado
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | $38,710 | 950 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $38,580 | 930 |
| Parking Attendants | $38,800 | 1,350 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $38,840 | 3,940 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $38,870 | 2,730 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $38,420 | 3,290 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Colorado?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Colorado is $40,210 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,670 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Colorado?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Colorado typically earn around $31,930 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,750 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Colorado?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Colorado make approximately $48,380 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $44,330 per year.
How does the Colorado Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Colorado is $38,670, which is +13% above national average of $34,220.