Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Kentucky

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

Median annual salary $21,780 -36.4% vs national
Median hourly $10.47
10th percentile $17,790
90th percentile $29,830
Employed locally 930
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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East Kentucky
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $17,790
    25th
    $20,230
    50th (median)
    $21,780
    75th
    $25,650
    90th
    $29,830

    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 Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,840
    Cooks, Fast Food$20,990
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$28,460
    Waiters and Waitresses$18,830
    Cooks, Restaurant$28,370
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$22,210

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky is $10.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.12 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in East 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 East Kentucky?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $17,790 per year in East Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $20,230.