Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Central Kentucky

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $21,770 -36.4% vs national
Median hourly $10.47
10th percentile $17,820
90th percentile $29,830
Employed locally 1,250
National median $34,220

Compare Food Preparation Workers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how South Central Kentucky stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Food Preparation Workers
in
South Central Kentucky
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $17,820
    25th
    $20,230
    50th (median)
    $21,770
    75th
    $25,710
    90th
    $29,830

    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 South Central Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,950
    Cooks, Fast Food$22,230
    Waiters and Waitresses$21,400
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$28,990
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$28,270
    Cooks, Restaurant$29,120

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in South Central Kentucky?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in South Central Kentucky is $10.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.44 or more per hour.

    Is South Central Kentucky above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in South Central Kentucky is 36.4% 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 South Central Kentucky?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $17,820 per year in South Central Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $20,230.