Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southern Ohio

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $27,900 -18.5% vs national
Median hourly $13.42
10th percentile $22,810
90th percentile $35,730
Employed locally 700
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Southern Ohio
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,810
    25th
    $23,380
    50th (median)
    $27,900
    75th
    $32,650
    90th
    $35,730

    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 Southern Ohio

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,180
    Waiters and Waitresses $35,390
    Cooks, Restaurant $28,630
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,110
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,390
    Bartenders $25,890

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Southern Ohio?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Southern Ohio is $13.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.61 or more per hour.

    Is Southern Ohio above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Southern Ohio is 18.5% 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 Southern Ohio?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,810 per year in Southern Ohio. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,380.