Food Preparation Workers pay in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA), the median pay for food preparation workers is $21.07 an hour ($43,830 a year). About 11,060 people work in this job there.
That is 24% higher than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 7% higher than the Washington median ($40,910).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $17.03 | $35,410 |
| 25% of workers | $18.33 | $38,120 |
| Half of workers (median) | $21.07 | $43,830 |
| 75% of workers | $23.65 | $49,190 |
| 90% of workers | $26.30 | $54,700 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Washington metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (this page) | $43,830 | 11,060 |
| Yakima | $41,750 | 600 |
| Walla Walla | $40,030 | 210 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $39,400 | 580 |
| Longview-Kelso | $38,460 | 260 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $38,390 | 810 |
| Bellingham | $38,240 | 630 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $37,950 | 680 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $37,740 | 280 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $36,580 | 330 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $36,360 | 1,310 |
Washington unemployment rate: 4.9% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for food preparation workers
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -3% over ten years, declining · about 135,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $39,150 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $47,730 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $51,530 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $44,030 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $40,640 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $80,330 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $45,120 |
| Bakers | $48,180 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.