SOC 35-2021 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Food Preparation Workers — Reno
Reno, NV · 2 metro areas compared
In Reno, NV the median wage is $32,180.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In Reno, NV the median wage is $32,180. That is 8.9% lower than the national median of $35,320. Pay ranges from under $25,790 at the tenth percentile to more than $45,420 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $28,870 to $38,730.
Employment stands at 1,490, or 5.4 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Carson City records the highest median at $35,090. Of the 499 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 481st.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $25,790 | −27.0% |
| 25th | $28,870 | −18.3% |
| Median (50th) | $32,180 | −8.9% |
| 75th | $38,730 | +9.7% |
| 90th | $45,420 | +28.6% |
| Mean | $34,550 | −2.2% |
Other metro areas in Nevada
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carson City | $35,090 | 150 | |
| 2 | Las Vegas | $33,870 | 9,460 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Reno sit close to the national average, so $32,180 is worth roughly its face value against pay elsewhere.
Published median
$32,180as reported by BLSLocal price level
100.0US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$32,180US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $32,180 a year, 8.9% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $25,790 to $45,420 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 1,490 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Carson City, at $35,090.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Food Preparation Workers in Reno, NV?
The median annual wage is $32,180, or $15.47 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $35,320, so pay in Reno, NV is 8.9% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Reno, NV earns more than $45,420 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $25,790 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Carson City, at $35,090 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 1,490 jobs in this occupation in Reno, NV. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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