Food Preparation Workers Salary in Jackson, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Jackson, TN

Median annual salary $25,950 -24.2% vs national
Median hourly $12.48
10th percentile $22,570
90th percentile $35,130
Employed locally 760
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Jackson, TN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,570
    25th
    $23,440
    50th (median)
    $25,950
    75th
    $30,980
    90th
    $35,130

    Jackson economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $58,740 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 44% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 56% 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
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $32,770
    Knoxville, TN $30,920
    Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $28,030
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $27,430
    Chattanooga, TN-GA $27,360
    Morristown, TN $26,100

    Related occupations in Jackson, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,640
    Waiters and Waitresses $22,280
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,430
    Cooks, Fast Food $27,250
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $32,010
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,670

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, TN is $12.48, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.05 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Jackson, TN is 24.2% 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 Jackson?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,570 per year in Jackson, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,440.