Food Preparation Workers Salary in Boston, MA-NH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH

Median annual salary $38,090 +11.3% vs national
Median hourly $18.31
10th percentile $34,310
90th percentile $52,120
Employed locally 10,540
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Boston, MA-NH
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    In Boston, MA-NH, food preparation workers typically earn a median annual salary of $38,090, which translates to a median hourly wage of $18.31. This salary is higher than the national median for the same occupation at $34,220, indicating that food preparation roles in this region are relatively well-compensated compared to other areas of the United States. However, when compared to the local area's median household income of $112,484, the earnings of a typical worker in this field fall significantly short, highlighting a considerable disparity between what these workers earn and the average financial standing of households in the Boston metropolitan area.

    Entry-level food preparation workers often find themselves earning closer to the 10th percentile mark at $34,310 annually, while more experienced individuals may reach or exceed the 75th percentile, earning up to $45,180. The substantial wage gap between entry-level and experienced employees is primarily driven by factors such as skill proficiency, tenure in the position, and additional responsibilities assumed over time. Experienced workers often command higher wages due to increased efficiency, leadership roles, or specialized skills that are valued within their establishments. Additionally, regional economic conditions and demand for skilled labor can influence these earning potentials, further differentiating compensation levels between those at the start of their careers and those with more extensive experience in food preparation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,310
    25th
    $36,070
    50th (median)
    $38,090
    75th
    $45,180
    90th
    $52,120

    Boston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,484 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 34% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 66% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Boston?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Boston, MA-NH is $18.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.29 or more per hour.

    Is Boston above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Boston, MA-NH is 11.3% above the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Boston?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $34,310 per year in Boston, MA-NH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,070.