Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Nebraska

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

Median annual salary $30,250 -11.6% vs national
Median hourly $14.55
10th percentile $26,370
90th percentile $39,580
Employed locally 1,280
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
South Nebraska
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,370
    25th
    $28,340
    50th (median)
    $30,250
    75th
    $34,750
    90th
    $39,580

    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 Nebraska

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,040
    Waiters and Waitresses $29,490
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,800
    Bartenders $28,960
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $35,530
    Cooks, Restaurant $30,800

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in South Nebraska is $14.55, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.10 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in South Nebraska is 11.6% 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 Nebraska?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,370 per year in South Nebraska. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,340.