Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Central Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $25,770 -24.7% vs national
Median hourly $12.39
10th percentile $22,190
90th percentile $36,190
Employed locally 720
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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South Central Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,190
    25th
    $23,120
    50th (median)
    $25,770
    75th
    $30,340
    90th
    $36,190

    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 Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,620
    Waiters and Waitresses $22,360
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,240
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,120
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,080
    Cooks, Fast Food $28,490

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in South Central Tennessee is $12.39, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.12 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in South Central Tennessee is 24.7% 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 Tennessee?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,190 per year in South Central Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,120.