Pennsylvania ranks 35th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $8,800 — a 29% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,690 to $40,300 — a $18,610 spread, 10% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Pennsylvania than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.59 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.69× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,690 | $10.43 |
| 25th percentile | $27,470 | $13.21 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $30,150 | $14.50 |
| 75th percentile | $35,750 | $17.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,300 | $19.37 |
| Mean (average) | $31,360 | $15.08 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | $30,150 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +29% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +28% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +27% |
| California | $38,150 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +25% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +24% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +23% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Attendants | $30,170 | 5,270 |
| Animal Caretakers | $30,260 | 10,330 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $30,020 | 4,540 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $30,300 | 82,920 |
| Retail Salespersons | $30,410 | 143,460 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $30,550 | 45,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Pennsylvania?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Pennsylvania is $31,360 per year. The median (middle) salary is $30,150 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Pennsylvania typically earn around $21,690 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,470 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Pennsylvania?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Pennsylvania make approximately $40,300 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,750 per year.
How does the Pennsylvania Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Pennsylvania is $30,150, which is -12% below national average of $34,220.