Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeastern Pennsylvania

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $28,010 -18.1% vs national
Median hourly $13.47
10th percentile $17,300
90th percentile $36,570
Employed locally 790
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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Northeastern Pennsylvania
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $17,300
    25th
    $21,780
    50th (median)
    $28,010
    75th
    $33,010
    90th
    $36,570

    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 Northeastern Pennsylvania

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,150
    Waiters and Waitresses $28,560
    Cooks, Restaurant $35,000
    Bartenders $21,680
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,470
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $25,550

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Northeastern Pennsylvania?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania is $13.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.90 or more per hour.

    Is Northeastern Pennsylvania above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Northeastern Pennsylvania is 18.1% 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 Northeastern Pennsylvania?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $17,300 per year in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,780.