Wisconsin ranks 27th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $6,140 — a 19% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $23,910 to $42,370 — a $18,460 spread, 11% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Wisconsin employs roughly 2.2% of all food preparation workers in the country (19,940 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $23,910 | $11.50 |
| 25th percentile | $28,440 | $13.67 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $32,810 | $15.78 |
| 75th percentile | $37,370 | $17.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,370 | $20.37 |
| Mean (average) | $32,980 | $15.85 |
How Wisconsin Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (current) | $32,810 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +19% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +18% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +17% |
| California | $38,150 | +16% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +15% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +14% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +13% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Library Technicians | $33,030 | 2,780 |
| Telemarketers | $32,280 | 2,170 |
| Retail Salespersons | $33,640 | 67,610 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $33,850 | 4,910 |
| Recreation Workers | $33,910 | 6,320 |
| Parking Attendants | $31,560 | 1,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Wisconsin?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Wisconsin is $32,980 per year. The median (middle) salary is $32,810 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wisconsin?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Wisconsin typically earn around $23,910 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,440 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Wisconsin?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Wisconsin make approximately $42,370 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,370 per year.
How does the Wisconsin Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Wisconsin is $32,810, which is -4% below national average of $34,220.