Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$40,000$19.23 per hour · $3,333 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $15.19/hr | $2,633 | $31,600 | $26,889 |
| 25th Percentile | $17.12/hr | $2,967 | $35,600 | $29,927 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $19.23/hr | $3,333 | $40,000 | $33,268 |
| 75th Percentile | $22.07/hr | $3,825 | $45,900 | $37,749 |
| 90th Percentile | $24.18/hr | $4,192 | $50,300 | $41,091 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$40,000 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Colorado:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $40,000, which equates to approximately $3,333 per month or $19.23 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $19.23 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $15.19/hour and one in ten earned more than $24.18/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO span from $31,600 at the 10th percentile to $35,600 at the 25th, $45,900 at the 75th, and $50,300 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
On a median gross salary of $40,000, an estimated $33,268 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,280 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Colorado in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,732 (an effective rate of 16.8%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
On the median annual salary of $40,000, gross monthly income is $3,333. After federal, FICA, and Colorado state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,772 per month (or $1,280 every two weeks).
Is $40,000 a good salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
At $40,000, the median salary for food preparation workers is 37.8% of the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO median household income ($105,762). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 105.8, making regional consumer goods and services 5.8% more expensive than the U.S. average.