Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$37,700$18.13 per hour · $3,142 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 (AZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $15.43/hr | $2,675 | $32,100 | $27,564 |
| 25th Percentile | $16.88/hr | $2,925 | $35,100 | $29,899 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $18.13/hr | $3,142 | $37,700 | $31,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $19.33/hr | $3,350 | $40,200 | $33,869 |
| 90th Percentile | $22.02/hr | $3,817 | $45,800 | $38,229 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$37,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Arizona:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is $37,700, which equates to approximately $3,142 per month or $18.13 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ is $18.13 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $15.43/hour and one in ten earned more than $22.02/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ span from $32,100 at the 10th percentile to $35,100 at the 25th, $40,200 at the 75th, and $45,800 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
On a median gross salary of $37,700, an estimated $31,923 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,228 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Arizona in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,777 (an effective rate of 15.3%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
On the median annual salary of $37,700, gross monthly income is $3,142. After federal, FICA, and Arizona state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,660 per month (or $1,228 every two weeks).
Is $37,700 a good salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
At $37,700, the median salary for food preparation workers is 42.7% of the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ median household income ($88,301). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 103.3, making regional consumer goods and services 3.3% more expensive than the U.S. average.