How much does a food preparation worker make in District of Columbia?
$39,600a year
Median yearly pay for food preparation workers in District of Columbia. That is $19.04 an hour or $3,300 a month.
- Hourly
- $19.04
- Vs. national median
- +12%
- Rank among states
- 2 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 3,970
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $37,510Median: $39,600Highest 10%: $45,370
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $37,510 | $18.03 | |
| 25th | $38,070 | $18.30 | |
| Median | $39,600 | $19.04 | |
| 75th | $44,040 | $21.17 | |
| 90th | $45,370 | $21.81 |
Cities in District of Columbia
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Washington, DC | $37,630 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for food preparation workers.
| 1. Washington | $40,910 |
| 2. District of Columbia | $39,600 |
| 3. California | $39,350 |
| 4. Colorado | $38,960 |
| 5. Massachusetts | $38,900 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food preparation worker make an hour in District of Columbia?
The median hourly pay in District of Columbia is $19.04 ($39,600 a year).
Do food preparation workers make more in District of Columbia than the national average?
Yes: $39,600 against $35,320 nationally, 12% more.
Where does District of Columbia rank for food preparation worker pay?
District of Columbia ranks 2 of 51 states.
Which city in District of Columbia pays food preparation workers the most?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median of $37,630 a year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.