Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern Ohio

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $29,070 -15% vs national
Median hourly $13.98
10th percentile $23,800
90th percentile $36,680
Employed locally 570
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Eastern Ohio
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,800
    25th
    $26,110
    50th (median)
    $29,070
    75th
    $34,280
    90th
    $36,680

    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 Eastern Ohio

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,240
    Waiters and Waitresses $35,190
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,230
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,670
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $35,370
    Cooks, Fast Food $22,240

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Eastern Ohio?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern Ohio is $13.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.86 or more per hour.

    Is Eastern Ohio above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Eastern Ohio is 15% 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 Eastern Ohio?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,800 per year in Eastern Ohio. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,110.