Food Preparation Workers Salary in Arizona
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - AZ
Median Annual Salary in Arizona
$28,479
$13.69 / hour
▼ 2.0% below national avg
National Median
$29,060
$13.97 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$27,463
Missouri equivalent (COL: 103.7)
Food Preparation Workers Salary in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $15,094 |
| 25th Percentile | $20,505 |
| 50th (Median) | $28,479 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,301 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $48,984 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
Free: Top 50 Highest Paying Jobs by State
Printable guide - see which jobs pay the most in your state
Check your email! Your free resource is on its way. (Check spam if you don't see it.)
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Arizona median salary of $28,479 for Food Preparation Workers has the purchasing power of approximately $27,463 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Arizona's higher cost of living (COL index: 103.7) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Arizona?
Food Preparation Workers in Arizona earn a median annual salary of $28,479 per year ($13.69/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $29,060.
Is Arizona a good state for Food Preparation Workers?
Arizona pays slightly below the national average for food preparation workers. Cost of living in Arizona is near the national average (COL index: 103.7).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Food Preparation Workers in Arizona?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 103.7 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $28,479 salary in Arizona has the purchasing power of approximately $27,463 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Arizona reduce real purchasing power.
How does Arizona compare to neighboring states for Food Preparation Workers salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Food Preparation Workers salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Arizona
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radiologists | $303,722 |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $300,096 |
| 3 | Neurologists | $289,688 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $288,630 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $266,442 |
| 6 | Physicians, Pathologists | $239,042 |
| 7 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $238,473 |
| 8 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $234,416 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Food Preparation Workers in Arizona
Food Preparation Workers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: No formal credential