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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Missouri

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Missouri?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$31,510
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.2% vs 2024
$34,040
Mean Salary
$31,510
Median Salary
$15.15
Hourly Rate
13,650 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Missouri

Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Missouri

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

Food Preparation Workers salary in Missouri — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Missouri.10thBottom 10% earn less than $28,600$28,60025th25% earn less than $29,220$29,220MedianHalf earn more than $31,510$31,51075th75% earn less than $37,050$37,05090thTop 10% earn more than $44,440$44,440

Food Preparation Workers in Missouri earn a median salary of $31,510 per year ($2,625/month). This is 6.2% below the national average of $33,596. Missouri ranks #34 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay. Approximately 13,650 people work in this occupation across Missouri. Salaries increased by 3.2% 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 Missouri

Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Missouri range from $28,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,440 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $29,220 and $37,050.

Median $31,510
P10: $28,600 P25: $29,220 P75: $37,050 P90: $44,440
10th
$28,600
25th
$29,220
Median
$31,510
75th
$37,050
90th
$44,440
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $28,600 $13.75 $2,383
25th Percentile $29,220 $14.05 $2,435
Median (50th) $31,510 $15.15 $2,625
75th Percentile $37,050 $17.81 $3,087
90th Percentile (Experienced) $44,440 $21.37 $3,703

Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,040 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#34
Missouri ranks #34 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
-6.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Missouri:

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

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

Explore Food Preparation Workers Data in Missouri

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 Missouri?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Missouri is $31,510 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,040.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Missouri?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Missouri range from $28,600 at the 10th percentile to $44,440 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $29,220 and $37,050.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Missouri?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Missouri typically start around $28,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $29,220 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Missouri?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 13,650 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Missouri.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Missouri?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Missouri is approximately $15.15 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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