Virginia ranks 31st of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $7,450 — a 24% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,890 to $40,850 — a $13,960 spread, 33% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.69 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.45× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,890 | $12.93 |
| 25th percentile | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $31,500 | $15.14 |
| 75th percentile | $36,120 | $17.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,850 | $19.64 |
| Mean (average) | $33,170 | $15.95 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $31,500 | 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 | +18% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +18% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +17% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $31,610 | 6,700 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $31,300 | 9,480 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $31,070 | 2,210 |
| Dishwashers | $31,950 | 10,770 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $30,920 | 4,900 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $32,080 | 5,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Virginia?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Virginia is $33,170 per year. The median (middle) salary is $31,500 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Virginia?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $26,890 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,850 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $40,850 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,120 per year.
How does the Virginia Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Virginia is $31,500, which is -8% below national average of $34,220.