How Much Does a Food Preparer make?

Food Preparer made a median salary around $37,517 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $44,139 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $33,132. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Food Preparer jobs in Tacoma, Washington

Food Preparer, Full-time

Samaritan Healthcare - Moses Lake, WA

Food Preparer, Per Diem

Samaritan Healthcare - Moses Lake, WA

Local Food Grade Home Daily CDL Truck Driver

Ruan Transportation Management Systems - COLBY, KS

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Best-Paying Cities for Food Preparer

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Food Preparer profession are Kenmore , Kirkland , Medina , Mercer Island , Redmond .
Kenmore, WA $38,494
Kirkland, WA $38,494
Medina, WA $38,494
Mercer Island, WA $38,494
Redmond, WA $38,494

Best-Paying States for Food Preparer

The states and districts that pay Food Preparer the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $38,843) , California (around $38,494) , New Jersey (around $38,250) , Alaska (around $38,006) , and Massachusetts (around $37,971) .
District of Columbia $38,843
California $38,494
New Jersey $38,250
Alaska $38,006
Massachusetts $37,971

What is the Career Path of Food Preparer?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Food Preparer, the first career path typically starts with a Fast Food Shift Supervisor position , and then progresses to Fast Food Assistant Manager.

The second career path typically starts with a Food Services Supervisor position , and then progresses to Food Services Manager.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with an Assistant Restaurant Manager position , and then progresses to Restaurant Manager.

Besides, Food Preparer can also turn to other related jobs, including Tax Preparer , Certified Tax Preparer , Income Tax Preparer and Tax Return Preparer .

Frequently Asked Questions for Food Preparer

Q: What is the salary range of Food Preparer in Tacoma, WA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Food Preparer in Tacoma, WA earned an average annual salary of $33,132 , while the highest-paid made $44,139.
Q: What is the salary for a Food Preparer in California?
A: Food Preparer employed in California earned an average salary of $38,494 in 2025.

Average Food Preparer Pay vs. Other Jobs

Food Preparer earned an average salary of $37,517 in 2025. Other jobs related to Food Preparer earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Tax Preparer made $69,549 , Certified Tax Preparer made $64,385 , Income Tax Preparer and Tax Return Preparer made $71,651 and $69,549 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Food Preparer

Tax Preparer - Average Salary $69,549
There is currently no job description for Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Tax Preparer.
Certified Tax Preparer - Average Salary $64,385
There is currently no job description for Certified Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Certified Tax Preparer.
Income Tax Preparer - Average Salary $71,651
There is currently no job description for Income Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Income Tax Preparer.
Tax Return Preparer - Average Salary $69,549
There is currently no job description for Tax Return Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Tax Return Preparer.
Seasonal Tax Preparer - Average Salary $105,444
There is currently no job description for Seasonal Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Seasonal Tax Preparer.