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Food Preparation Workers Salary in New York

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in New York?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$35,610
Median Annual Salary
▼ -1.2% vs 2024
$38,310
Mean Salary
$35,610
Median Salary
$17.12
Hourly Rate
62,380 people work as Food Preparation Workers in New York

Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in New York

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

Food Preparation Workers salary in New York — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Preparation Workers in New York.10thBottom 10% earn less than $33,280$33,28025th25% earn less than $34,320$34,320MedianHalf earn more than $35,610$35,61075th75% earn less than $40,250$40,25090thTop 10% earn more than $46,800$46,800

Food Preparation Workers in New York earn a median salary of $35,610 per year ($2,967/month). This is 6.0% above the national average of $33,596. New York ranks #18 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay. Approximately 62,380 people work in this occupation across New York. Salaries decreased by 1.2% 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 New York

Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in New York range from $33,280 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $46,800 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,320 and $40,250.

Median $35,610
P10: $33,280 P25: $34,320 P75: $40,250 P90: $46,800
10th
$33,280
25th
$34,320
Median
$35,610
75th
$40,250
90th
$46,800
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $33,280 $16.00 $2,773
25th Percentile $34,320 $16.50 $2,860
Median (50th) $35,610 $17.12 $2,967
75th Percentile $40,250 $19.35 $3,354
90th Percentile (Experienced) $46,800 $22.50 $3,900

Note: The mean (average) salary of $38,310 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#18
New York ranks #18 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
+6.0%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in New York:

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

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

Explore Food Preparation Workers Data in New York

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 New York?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in New York is $35,610 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $38,310.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in New York?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in New York range from $33,280 at the 10th percentile to $46,800 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,320 and $40,250.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in New York?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in New York typically start around $33,280 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,320 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in New York?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 62,380 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in New York.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in New York?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in New York is approximately $17.12 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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