Food Preparation Worker Salary in Denver, CO
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Denver area earns $39,470 a year ($18.98 an hour), 12% above the U.S. median ($35,320) and 1% above the Colorado median ($38,960). Half of the 6,640 food preparation workers there earn between $35,590 and $44,890.
| Annual pay | Denver area | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,800 | $30,800 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $35,590 | $34,690 | $29,950 |
| Median | $39,470 | $38,960 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $44,890 | $44,740 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $48,600 | $49,000 | $45,340 |
| Average | $40,470 | $40,210 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 6,640 | 12,080 | 893,600 |
Denver, CO ranks 6th of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for food preparation worker pay. Highest: San Jose, CA ($45,580).
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Check my payFood preparation worker pay in other cities
- San Jose, CA: $45,580
- Seattle, WA: $43,830
- San Francisco, CA: $41,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $39,770
- Boston, MA: $39,660
- San Diego, CA: $38,780
- Portland, OR: $38,730
- Sacramento, CA: $38,480
- All cities
Similar jobs in Denver, CO
- Restaurant Cook: $44,370
- Fast Food Worker: $37,070
- Waiter: $39,650
- Food Service Supervisor: $52,520
- Bartender: $37,180
- All jobs in Denver, CO
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.