District of Columbia ranks 3rd of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $510 — a 1% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,400 to $45,490 — a $9,090 spread, 56% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| 25th percentile | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,440 | $18.48 |
| 75th percentile | $41,960 | $20.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,490 | $21.87 |
| Mean (average) | $40,120 | $19.29 |
How District of Columbia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (current) | $38,440 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +1% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +1% |
| California | $38,150 | -1% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | -3% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | -4% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | -5% |
| Oregon | $36,390 | -5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $38,390 | 14,950 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $38,350 | 2,610 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $38,340 | N/A |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $38,610 | 150 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $38,240 | 7,390 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $38,160 | 4,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in District of Columbia?
The mean food preparation workers salary in District of Columbia is $40,120 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,440 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in District of Columbia typically earn around $36,400 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,580 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in District of Columbia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in District of Columbia make approximately $45,490 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $41,960 per year.
How does the District of Columbia Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in District of Columbia is $38,440, which is +12% above national average of $34,220.