Washington pays food preparation workers more than any other state — its $38,950 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $33,860 to $50,610 — a $16,750 spread, 19% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Washington employs roughly 2.4% of all food preparation workers in the country (21,090 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $33,860 | $16.28 |
| 25th percentile | $34,680 | $16.67 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,950 | $18.73 |
| 75th percentile | $45,700 | $21.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,610 | $24.33 |
| Mean (average) | $41,210 | $19.81 |
How Washington Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (current) | $38,950 | n/a |
| Colorado | $38,670 | -1% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | -1% |
| California | $38,150 | -2% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | -3% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | -4% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | -5% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | -6% |
| Oregon | $36,390 | -7% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Washington
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $38,930 | 5,750 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $39,020 | 2,620 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $38,800 | 7,070 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $38,800 | 8,930 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $39,210 | 1,330 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $39,220 | 3,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Washington?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Washington is $41,210 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,950 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Washington?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Washington typically earn around $33,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,680 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Washington?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Washington make approximately $50,610 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,700 per year.
How does the Washington Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Washington is $38,950, which is +14% above national average of $34,220.