Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central Indiana

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $28,840 -15.7% vs national
Median hourly $13.86
10th percentile $22,590
90th percentile $37,070
Employed locally 870
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Central Indiana
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,590
    25th
    $26,590
    50th (median)
    $28,840
    75th
    $33,670
    90th
    $37,070

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Related occupations in Central Indiana

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,340
    Waiters and Waitresses$22,830
    Cooks, Restaurant$28,380
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,210
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$31,410
    Bartenders$21,120

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Central Indiana?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Central Indiana is $13.86, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.64 or more per hour.

    Is Central Indiana above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Central Indiana is 15.7% below 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 Central Indiana?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,590 per year in Central Indiana. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,590.