The median hourly wage for food preparation workers was $9.70 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.20, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $14.43.
In May 2015, the median hourly wages for food preparation workers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
$11.46
Special food services
10.37
Grocery stores
10.11
Restaurants and other eating places
9.42
Pay for food preparation workers varies by employer and region. Pay is usually highest for workers in elementary and secondary schools and in major metropolitan and resort areas.
About 1 in 2 food preparation workers were employed part time in 2014. Because many restaurants are open for long periods each day, working early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays is common. Those who work in school cafeterias may have hours that are more regular and may work only during the school year, usually for 9 or 10 months. Some resorts offer seasonal employment.
Food Preparation Workers
Median hourly wages, May 2015
Total, all occupations
$17.40
Food preparation workers
$9.70
Food preparation and serving related occupations
$9.41
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
