Food Preparation Workers vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Food Preparation Workerss out-earn Waiters and Waitressess by $90 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Preparation Workerss land at $35,320 and Waiters and Waitressess 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 Workerss is Washington ($40,910); for Waiters and Waitressess 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 Workerss or Waiters and Waitressess?
Food Preparation Workerss earn more nationally. The median is $35,320 for Food Preparation Workerss versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitressess, a difference of $90. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Preparation Workers or Waiters and Waitresses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Workerss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Food Preparation Workerss 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 Workerss earn $40,910 vs. $56,130 for Waiters and Waitressess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.