Food Preparation Workers Salary in Indianapolis, IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN

Median annual salary $31,180 -8.9% vs national
Median hourly $14.99
10th percentile $25,830
90th percentile $41,550
Employed locally 5,150
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Indianapolis, IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $25,830
    25th
    $27,260
    50th (median)
    $31,180
    75th
    $36,710
    90th
    $41,550

    Indianapolis economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $77,065 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 40% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 60% below the area median household income

    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

    Nearby metros — Food Preparation Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington $38,950
    Salinas, CA $38,670
    Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $38,240
    Burlington-South Burlington, VT $38,070
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $37,990
    Colorado Springs, CO $37,630

    Related occupations in Indianapolis, IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,760
    Waiters and Waitresses $28,180
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $43,180
    Cooks, Restaurant $36,040
    Bartenders $23,610
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $29,320

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Indianapolis?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Indianapolis, IN is $14.99, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.43 or more per hour.

    Is Indianapolis above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Indianapolis, IN is 8.9% 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 Indianapolis?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $25,830 per year in Indianapolis, IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,260.