Louisiana ranks 51st of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $16,050 — a 70% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $17,590 to $33,000 — a $15,410 spread, 26% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Louisiana than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 3.19 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 3.19× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $17,590 | $8.46 |
| 25th percentile | $21,150 | $10.17 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $22,900 | $11.01 |
| 75th percentile | $27,590 | $13.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $33,000 | $15.87 |
| Mean (average) | $24,770 | $11.91 |
How Louisiana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana (current) | $22,900 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +70% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +69% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +68% |
| California | $38,150 | +67% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +65% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +63% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +62% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +60% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Louisiana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $22,980 | 390 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $23,110 | 34,840 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $22,620 | 2,110 |
| Dishwashers | $23,250 | 4,890 |
| Telemarketers | $23,260 | 280 |
| Parking Attendants | $23,280 | 1,670 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Louisiana?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Louisiana is $24,770 per year. The median (middle) salary is $22,900 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Louisiana?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Louisiana typically earn around $17,590 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $21,150 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Louisiana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Louisiana make approximately $33,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $27,590 per year.
How does the Louisiana Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Louisiana is $22,900, which is -33% below national average of $34,220.