Food Preparation Workers Salary in Washington
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for food preparation workers in Washington was $40,910 +15.8% vs national
Washington vs United States
| Washington | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $40,910 | $35,320 |
| Median hourly | $19.67 | $16.98 |
| Employment | 19,510 | 893,600 |
| Location quotient | 0.96 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (Washington) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
What this means
With approximately 19,510 food preparation workers employed in Washington, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Employment density in Washington is 0.96x the national average — a roughly average concentration of these roles in the local economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average food preparation workers salary in Washington?
The median annual wage in Washington is $40,910 ($19.67 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does Washington compare to the national average for food preparation workers?
The Washington median of $40,910 is 15.8% higher than the U.S. median of $35,320.
How many food preparation workers work in Washington?
Approximately 19,510 are employed in Washington, per BLS OES.