Food Preparation Workers Salary in East-Central Montana

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,700 -13.2% vs national
Median hourly $14.28
10th percentile $23,620
90th percentile $36,090
Employed locally 370
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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East-Central Montana
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,620
    25th
    $27,630
    50th (median)
    $29,700
    75th
    $33,350
    90th
    $36,090

    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 East-Central Montana

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,430
    Bartenders$22,570
    Cooks, Restaurant$34,560
    Waiters and Waitresses$22,110
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$35,870
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$38,150

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in East-Central Montana?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in East-Central Montana is $14.28, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.93 or more per hour.

    Is East-Central Montana above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in East-Central Montana is 13.2% 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 East-Central Montana?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,620 per year in East-Central Montana. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,630.