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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$26,850
Median Annual Salary
▲
+9.5% vs 2024
$28,760
Mean Salary
$26,850
Median Salary
$12.91
Hourly Rate
15,390 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $26,850 per year ($2,237/month).
This is 20.1% below the national average of $33,596.
Kentucky ranks #49 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 15,390 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries increased by 9.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Administration and Management
3.19
Public Safety and Security
2.99
Food Production
2.93
English Language
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(44.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky range from $20,900 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $37,830 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $22,790 and $33,890.
Median $26,850
P10: $20,900P25: $22,790P75: $33,890P90: $37,830
10th
$20,900
25th
$22,790
Median
$26,850
75th
$33,890
90th
$37,830
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$20,900
$10.05
$1,741
25th Percentile
$22,790
$10.96
$1,899
Median (50th)
$26,850
$12.91
$2,237
75th Percentile
$33,890
$16.29
$2,824
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$37,830
$18.19
$3,152
Note: The mean (average) salary of $28,760 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky is $26,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $28,760.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky range from $20,900 at the 10th percentile to $37,830 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $22,790 and $33,890.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Kentucky typically start around $20,900 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $22,790 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 15,390 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky is approximately $12.91 per hour.
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.
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