Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central Kentucky

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

Median annual salary $21,780 -36.4% vs national
Median hourly $10.47
10th percentile $16,930
90th percentile $32,120
Employed locally 1,210
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Central Kentucky
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $16,930
    25th
    $19,300
    50th (median)
    $21,780
    75th
    $28,250
    90th
    $32,120

    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 Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $22,580
    Cooks, Fast Food $22,520
    Waiters and Waitresses $21,840
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $30,270
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $28,950
    Cooks, Restaurant $28,690

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Central Kentucky is $10.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.59 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Central Kentucky is 36.4% 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 Kentucky?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $16,930 per year in Central Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $19,300.