Food Preparation Workers Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA · 1,030 employed
The average Food Preparation Workers salary in Des Moines, IA is $31,490 per year. The middle 50% of Food Preparation Workerss earn between $29,230 and $34,200. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $39,240 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $22,470. The median of $30,840 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Breakdown in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $22,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,230 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $30,840 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,490 |
| 75th Percentile | $34,200 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $39,240 |
Related Jobs in Des Moines, IA
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $53,780 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $43,800 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $35,040 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $34,700 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $34,380 |
Food Preparation Workers Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $47,010 |
| Napa, CA | $44,210 |
| San Jose, CA | $44,070 |
| Boulder, CO | $43,100 |
| Seattle, WA | $42,840 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $42,250 |
| San Francisco, CA | $42,070 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $41,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Des Moines, IA?
The average Food Preparation Workers salary in Des Moines, IA is $31,490 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Food Preparation Workers salary in Des Moines, IA?
The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Des Moines, IA is $30,840 per year. Half of Food Preparation Workerss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Food Preparation Workerss make in Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workerss in Des Moines, IA typically earn around $22,470 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $29,230.
What do the highest-paid Food Preparation Workerss earn in Des Moines, IA?
The highest-paid Food Preparation Workerss in Des Moines, IA earn $39,240 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $34,200.
How many Food Preparation Workerss work in Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 1,030 Food Preparation Workerss employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area, per BLS OEWS.