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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Ohio

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Ohio?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$34,530
Median Annual Salary
▲ +9.3% vs 2024
$34,560
Mean Salary
$34,530
Median Salary
$16.60
Hourly Rate
19,480 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Ohio

Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Ohio

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

Food Preparation Workers salary in Ohio — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Ohio.10thBottom 10% earn less than $26,640$26,64025th25% earn less than $28,930$28,930MedianHalf earn more than $34,530$34,53075th75% earn less than $38,070$38,07090thTop 10% earn more than $44,500$44,500

Food Preparation Workers in Ohio earn a median salary of $34,530 per year ($2,877/month). This is 2.8% above the national average of $33,596. Ohio ranks #27 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay. Approximately 19,480 people work in this occupation across Ohio. Salaries increased by 9.3% 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 Ohio

Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Ohio range from $26,640 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,500 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,930 and $38,070.

Median $34,530
P10: $26,640 P25: $28,930 P75: $38,070 P90: $44,500
10th
$26,640
25th
$28,930
Median
$34,530
75th
$38,070
90th
$44,500
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $26,640 $12.81 $2,220
25th Percentile $28,930 $13.91 $2,410
Median (50th) $34,530 $16.60 $2,877
75th Percentile $38,070 $18.30 $3,172
90th Percentile (Experienced) $44,500 $21.39 $3,708

Note: The mean (average) salary of $34,560 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#27
Ohio ranks #27 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
+2.8%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Ohio:

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

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

Explore Food Preparation Workers Data in Ohio

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 Ohio?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Ohio is $34,530 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $34,560.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Ohio?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Ohio range from $26,640 at the 10th percentile to $44,500 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,930 and $38,070.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Ohio?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Ohio typically start around $26,640 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,930 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Ohio?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 19,480 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Ohio.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Ohio?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Ohio is approximately $16.60 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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