Food Preparation Workers Salary in Massachusetts

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $37,920 +10.8% vs national
Median hourly $18.23
10th percentile $34,450
90th percentile $49,280
Employed locally 270
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Massachusetts
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,450
    25th
    $37,180
    50th (median)
    $37,920
    75th
    $44,080
    90th
    $49,280

    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 Massachusetts

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $35,890
    Waiters and Waitresses $36,510
    Cooks, Restaurant $46,500
    Bartenders $36,140
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $47,100
    Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $36,720

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Massachusetts is $18.23, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.23 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Massachusetts is 10.8% above 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 Massachusetts?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $34,450 per year in Massachusetts. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,180.