Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $25,500 -25.5% vs national
Median hourly $12.26
10th percentile $22,170
90th percentile $34,960
Employed locally 830
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
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West Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,170
    25th
    $22,880
    50th (median)
    $25,500
    75th
    $29,700
    90th
    $34,960

    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 West Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$26,340
    Waiters and Waitresses$21,840
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$34,990
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$30,740
    Cooks, Restaurant$29,480
    Cooks, Fast Food$26,760

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in West Tennessee is $12.26, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.83 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in West Tennessee is 25.5% 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 West Tennessee?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,170 per year in West Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,880.