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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Maryland

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Maryland?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$35,500
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.5% vs 2024
$37,090
Mean Salary
$35,500
Median Salary
$17.07
Hourly Rate
13,280 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Maryland

Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Maryland

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

Food Preparation Workers salary in Maryland — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Maryland.10thBottom 10% earn less than $31,290$31,29025th25% earn less than $33,020$33,020MedianHalf earn more than $35,500$35,50075th75% earn less than $38,470$38,47090thTop 10% earn more than $45,890$45,890

Food Preparation Workers in Maryland earn a median salary of $35,500 per year ($2,958/month). This is 5.7% above the national average of $33,596. Maryland ranks #20 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay. Approximately 13,280 people work in this occupation across Maryland. Salaries increased by 3.5% 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)

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

Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in Maryland

Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Maryland range from $31,290 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $45,890 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $33,020 and $38,470.

Median $35,500
P10: $31,290 P25: $33,020 P75: $38,470 P90: $45,890
10th
$31,290
25th
$33,020
Median
$35,500
75th
$38,470
90th
$45,890
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $31,290 $15.04 $2,607
25th Percentile $33,020 $15.88 $2,751
Median (50th) $35,500 $17.07 $2,958
75th Percentile $38,470 $18.50 $3,205
90th Percentile (Experienced) $45,890 $22.06 $3,824

Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,090 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#20
Maryland ranks #20 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
+5.7%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Maryland:

What does this salary really buy? See Food Preparation Workers salary in Maryland adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food Preparation Workers take-home pay in Maryland after taxes →

Explore Food Preparation Workers Data in Maryland

Food Preparation Workers Salary by State

Compare Food Preparation Workers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Maryland is $35,500 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,090.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Maryland?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Maryland range from $31,290 at the 10th percentile to $45,890 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $33,020 and $38,470.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Maryland?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Maryland typically start around $31,290 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $33,020 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Maryland?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 13,280 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Maryland.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Maryland?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Maryland is approximately $17.07 per hour.

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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

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