Rhode Island ranks 14th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $3,490 — a 10% gap.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Rhode Island than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.79 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.27× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,200 | $14.04 |
| 25th percentile | $30,200 | $14.52 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,460 | $17.05 |
| 75th percentile | $40,470 | $19.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,640 | $24.35 |
| Mean (average) | $37,040 | $17.81 |
How Rhode Island Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (current) | $35,460 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +10% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +9% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +8% |
| California | $38,150 | +8% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +7% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +5% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +4% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Rhode Island
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $35,480 | 780 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $35,540 | 200 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $35,550 | 530 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $35,600 | N/A |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $35,220 | 250 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $35,180 | 90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Rhode Island?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Rhode Island is $37,040 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,460 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Rhode Island?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Rhode Island typically earn around $29,200 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $30,200 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Rhode Island?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Rhode Island make approximately $50,640 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $40,470 per year.
How does the Rhode Island Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Rhode Island is $35,460, which is +4% above national average of $34,220.