Food Preparation Workers Salary in Knoxville, TN

In Knoxville, TN, food preparation workers earn a median annual salary of $30,920, which translates to approximately $14.87 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for the same occupation, which stands at $34,220 annually. When compared to the local area's median household income of $69,734, it becomes evident that food preparation workers in Knoxville earn roughly 44% of what the typical household earns, highlighting a significant disparity. This gap underscores the economic challenges faced by individuals within this occupation when attempting to meet the cost-of-living demands prevalent in the region.

The earnings for entry-level food preparation workers in Knoxville are at the lower end of the salary spectrum, with those at the 10th percentile earning about $23,180 annually. As experience and skills develop, wages tend to increase, evidenced by the median annual salary of $30,920. Seasoned professionals who have advanced through their careers can earn up to approximately $37,640 per year, as indicated by salaries at the 90th percentile. This wage progression is driven primarily by factors such as increased experience, skill proficiency, and sometimes additional responsibilities or supervisory roles that come with tenure in the field. These elements collectively contribute to the noticeable difference between entry-level and experienced workers' earnings within this occupation.