Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $26,750 -21.8% vs national
Median hourly $12.86
10th percentile $22,190
90th percentile $36,920
Employed locally 1,350
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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East Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,190
    25th
    $23,160
    50th (median)
    $26,750
    75th
    $35,270
    90th
    $36,920

    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 Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$26,580
    Waiters and Waitresses$23,400
    Cooks, Restaurant$34,510
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,130
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$28,900
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$27,390

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in East Tennessee is $12.86, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.55 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in East Tennessee is 21.8% 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 Tennessee?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,190 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,160.