Maryland ranks 21st of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $4,640 — a 14% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,200 to $44,160 — a $12,960 spread, 38% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Maryland than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.77 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.30× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,310 | $16.50 |
| 75th percentile | $37,460 | $18.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,160 | $21.23 |
| Mean (average) | $35,870 | $17.24 |
How Maryland Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland (current) | $34,310 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +14% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +13% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +12% |
| California | $38,150 | +11% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +10% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +9% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +8% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +7% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Maryland
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | $34,310 | 72,010 |
| Recreation Workers | $34,200 | 4,000 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $34,100 | 13,780 |
| Telemarketers | $34,100 | 1,060 |
| Parking Attendants | $34,030 | 1,700 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,640 | 9,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Maryland?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Maryland is $35,870 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,310 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Maryland?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Maryland typically earn around $31,200 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,200 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Maryland?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Maryland make approximately $44,160 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,460 per year.
How does the Maryland Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Maryland is $34,310, which is +0% above national average of $34,220.