Food Preparation Worker Salary in Seattle, WA
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Seattle area earns $43,830 a year ($21.07 an hour), 24% above the U.S. median ($35,320) and 7% above the Washington median ($40,910). Half of the 11,060 food preparation workers there earn between $38,120 and $49,190.
| Annual pay | Seattle area | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,410 | $34,890 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $38,120 | $35,880 | $29,950 |
| Median | $43,830 | $40,910 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $49,190 | $47,390 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $54,700 | $51,730 | $45,340 |
| Average | $44,390 | $42,660 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 11,060 | 19,510 | 893,600 |
Seattle, WA ranks 2nd 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
- San Francisco, CA: $41,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $39,770
- Boston, MA: $39,660
- Denver, CO: $39,470
- San Diego, CA: $38,780
- Portland, OR: $38,730
- Sacramento, CA: $38,480
- All cities
Similar jobs in Seattle, WA
- Restaurant Cook: $47,730
- Fast Food Worker: $39,150
- Waiter: $57,280
- Food Service Supervisor: $61,610
- Bartender: $58,180
- All jobs in Seattle, WA
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.