Montana ranks 33rd of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $7,530 — a 24% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,920 to $39,570 — a $13,650 spread, 34% 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) | $25,920 | $12.46 |
| 25th percentile | $28,110 | $13.51 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $31,420 | $15.11 |
| 75th percentile | $35,720 | $17.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,570 | $19.02 |
| Mean (average) | $32,400 | $15.58 |
How Montana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Montana (current) | $31,420 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +24% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +23% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +22% |
| California | $38,150 | +21% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +20% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +19% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +18% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +17% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Montana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $31,440 | 2,070 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $31,490 | 80 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $31,600 | 550 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $31,670 | 880 |
| Cashiers | $30,620 | 12,500 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $32,270 | 70 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Montana?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Montana is $32,400 per year. The median (middle) salary is $31,420 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Montana?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Montana typically earn around $25,920 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,110 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Montana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Montana make approximately $39,570 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,720 per year.
How does the Montana Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Montana is $31,420, which is -8% below national average of $34,220.