West Virginia ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $11,340 — a 41% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,440 to $36,170 — a $14,730 spread, 29% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in West Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.70 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.43× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,440 | $10.31 |
| 25th percentile | $23,090 | $11.10 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $27,610 | $13.27 |
| 75th percentile | $30,660 | $14.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,170 | $17.39 |
| Mean (average) | $28,100 | $13.51 |
How West Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (current) | $27,610 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +41% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +40% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +39% |
| California | $38,150 | +38% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +37% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +35% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +34% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +33% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in West Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $27,700 | 1,040 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $27,710 | 5,810 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $27,480 | 670 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $27,740 | 990 |
| Retail Salespersons | $27,910 | 18,290 |
| Parking Attendants | $27,970 | 160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in West Virginia?
The mean food preparation workers salary in West Virginia is $28,100 per year. The median (middle) salary is $27,610 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West Virginia?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in West Virginia typically earn around $21,440 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $23,090 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in West Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in West Virginia make approximately $36,170 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $30,660 per year.
How does the West Virginia Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in West Virginia is $27,610, which is -19% below national average of $34,220.