Food Preparation Worker salary in Reno, NV
Food Preparation Workers in the Reno, NV metro area earn a median of $32,180 a year ($15.47 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,490 workers.
Pay ranges from $25,790 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,420 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $35,320. Pay here is 4% lower than the Nevada statewide median of $33,460. There are 5.4 food preparation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $34,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Reno, NV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $25,790 | $12.40 |
| 25th percentile | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Median | $32,180 | $15.47 |
| 75th percentile | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,420 | $21.84 |
| Average (mean) | $34,550 | $16.61 |
Half of food preparation workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,681.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,340.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,237.69 |
| Weekly | $618.85 |
| Hourly | $15.47 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Food Preparation Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | $35,090 | 150 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $33,870 | 9,460 |
Highest-paying states for food preparation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $40,910 |
| District of Columbia | $39,600 |
| California | $39,350 |
| Colorado | $38,960 |
| Massachusetts | $38,900 |
| Hawaii | $38,160 |
| Oregon | $37,450 |
| North Dakota | $36,800 |
| New Hampshire | $36,780 |
| Arizona | $36,750 |
See Food Preparation Worker pay in every state or the Nevada statewide figures.
Related jobs in Reno, NV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $38,930 | $18.72 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $30,410 | $14.62 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $43,270 | $20.81 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $41,530 | $19.96 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $31,530 | $15.16 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $25,700 | $12.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $42,590 | $20.48 |
| Bartender | $25,770 | $12.39 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $26,030 | $12.52 |
| Dishwasher | $33,190 | $15.96 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,620 | $13.76 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $62,070 | $29.84 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $34,690 | $16.68 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $33,050 | $15.89 |
More: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations · all salaries in Reno, NV
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 35-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food preparation worker make in Reno, NV?
The median salary for food preparation workers in the Reno, NV metro area is $32,180 a year, or $15.47 an hour. Pay ranges from $25,790 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,420 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid food preparation workers make in Reno, NV?
The top 10% of food preparation workers in the Reno, NV metro area earn at least $45,420 a year. The top 25% earn $38,730 or more.
What is the starting pay for food preparation workers in Reno, NV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $25,790 a year, and a quarter of food preparation workers earn $28,870 or less.
How many food preparation workers work in Reno, NV?
About 1,490 food preparation workers are employed in the Reno, NV metro area, not counting the self-employed.