Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary $27,730 -19% vs national
Median hourly $13.33
10th percentile $18,300
90th percentile $36,710
Employed locally 910
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Central Pennsylvania
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,300
    25th
    $22,260
    50th (median)
    $27,730
    75th
    $30,430
    90th
    $36,710

    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 Pennsylvania

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,840
    Waiters and Waitresses $27,920
    Cooks, Restaurant $30,210
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,930
    Bartenders $21,820
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $33,240

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Central Pennsylvania is $13.33, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.02 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Central Pennsylvania is 19% 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 Pennsylvania?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $18,300 per year in Central Pennsylvania. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,260.