Food Preparation Workers Salary in Joplin, MO-KS

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Joplin, MO-KS

Median annual salary $28,550 -16.6% vs national
Median hourly $13.73
10th percentile $26,310
90th percentile $34,990
Employed locally 520
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Joplin, MO-KS
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,310
    25th
    $27,080
    50th (median)
    $28,550
    75th
    $34,710
    90th
    $34,990

    Joplin economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $60,146 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 47% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 53% 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
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $39,660
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $39,360
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,290
    Vermont $37,030
    Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $36,540
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $36,460

    Related occupations in Joplin, MO-KS

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food $27,930
    Waiters and Waitresses $25,580
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,520
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,320
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,220
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,000

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Joplin, MO-KS is $13.73, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.48 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Joplin, MO-KS is 16.6% 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 Joplin?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,310 per year in Joplin, MO-KS. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,080.