Food Preparation Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Food Preparation Workers out-earn Waiters and Waitresses by $90 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Preparation Workers land at $35,320 and Waiters and Waitresses at $35,230. The education gap is real: food preparation worker programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Food Preparation Workers is Washington ($40,910); for Waiters and Waitresses it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Food Preparation Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Food Preparation Workers earn more nationally. The median is $35,320 for Food Preparation Workers versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitresses, a difference of $90. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Waiters and Waitresses has the better 10-year outlook at -0.7% projected growth, compared to -3.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Food Preparation Workers typically requires no formal educational credential. Waiters and Waitresses requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Food Preparation Workers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Food Preparation Workers at $40,910/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Preparation Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Food Preparation Workers earn $40,910 vs. $56,130 for Waiters and Waitresses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.