Texas ranks 44th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $10,290 — a 36% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $22,040 to $38,860 — a $16,820 spread, 19% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Texas than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.33 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.33× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $22,040 | $10.60 |
| 25th percentile | $24,680 | $11.86 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,660 | $13.78 |
| 75th percentile | $35,510 | $17.07 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,860 | $18.68 |
| Mean (average) | $30,140 | $14.49 |
How Texas Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Texas (current) | $28,660 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +36% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +35% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +34% |
| California | $38,150 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +32% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +30% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +29% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +28% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Texas
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $28,750 | 2,340 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $28,770 | 4,150 |
| Childcare Workers | $28,520 | 45,020 |
| Editors | $28,860 | 8,190 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,370 | 22,470 |
| Cashiers | $28,310 | 266,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Texas?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Texas is $30,140 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,660 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Texas?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Texas typically earn around $22,040 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $24,680 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Texas?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Texas make approximately $38,860 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,510 per year.
How does the Texas Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Texas is $28,660, which is -16% below national average of $34,220.