Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Pennsylvania

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders make in Pennsylvania?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$42,710
Median Annual Salary
▲ +10.7% vs 2024
$42,850
Mean Salary
$42,710
Median Salary
$20.53
Hourly Rate
1,580 people work as Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders salary by percentile in Pennsylvania

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders salary in Pennsylvania — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania.10thBottom 10% earn less than $34,960$34,96025th25% earn less than $37,160$37,160MedianHalf earn more than $42,710$42,71075th75% earn less than $47,050$47,05090thTop 10% earn more than $51,520$51,520

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $42,710 per year ($3,559/month). This is 3.6% above the national average of $41,230. Pennsylvania ranks #18 out of 41 states for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders pay. Approximately 1,580 people work in this occupation across Pennsylvania. Salaries increased by 10.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend cooking equipment, such as steam cooking vats, deep fry cookers, pressure cookers, kettles, and boilers, to prepare food products.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.5
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Operation and Control
3.12
Active Listening
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing
4.35
Food Production
3.8
Administration and Management
3.31
Education and Training
3.13
Mechanical
3.11
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (85.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania

Salaries for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania range from $34,960 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $51,520 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,160 and $47,050.

Median $42,710
P10: $34,960 P25: $37,160 P75: $47,050 P90: $51,520
10th
$34,960
25th
$37,160
Median
$42,710
75th
$47,050
90th
$51,520
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $34,960 $16.81 $2,913
25th Percentile $37,160 $17.87 $3,096
Median (50th) $42,710 $20.53 $3,559
75th Percentile $47,050 $22.62 $3,920
90th Percentile (Experienced) $51,520 $24.77 $4,293

Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#18
Pennsylvania ranks #18 of 41 states
$41,230
National avg. for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
+3.6%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders salary in Pennsylvania adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders take-home pay in Pennsylvania after taxes →

Explore Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Data in Pennsylvania

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Salary by State

Compare Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania is $42,710 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,850.
What is the salary range for a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania?
Salaries for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania range from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $51,520 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,160 and $47,050.
What is the starting salary for a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders positions in Pennsylvania typically start around $34,960 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,160 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,580 people are employed as Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Pennsylvania is approximately $20.53 per hour.

💼 Earning $42,710/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn