Food Preparation Workers Salary in Cleveland, OH

In Cleveland, OH, Food Preparation Workers earn a median annual salary of $32,140, with an average hourly wage of $15.45. This income is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $34,220. When compared to the local household income in Cleveland, where the area median household income is $68,507, it becomes evident that earnings from food preparation roles are significantly less, highlighting a substantial disparity between individual occupational income and typical household earnings. This gap may reflect the broader economic conditions within the region or the nature of the occupation itself, which often involves lower-skilled labor with limited wage growth potential.

The salary distribution for Food Preparation Workers in Cleveland shows notable variation based on experience levels. Entry-level workers, represented by those at the 10th percentile, earn approximately $26,230 annually. In contrast, more experienced individuals at the 90th percentile can expect to make around $38,920 per year. This disparity of over $12,000 is driven largely by factors such as increased proficiency, tenure, and potential leadership responsibilities within larger culinary establishments or specialized roles that command higher pay. Additionally, those in the lower percentiles may have fewer opportunities for skill development or advancement compared to their counterparts, further widening the income gap between new entrants and seasoned professionals in this field.