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Food Preparation Workers Salary in Pennsylvania
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Pennsylvania?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$30,840
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.3% vs 2024
$31,880
Mean Salary
$30,840
Median Salary
$14.83
Hourly Rate
17,940 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in Pennsylvania
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $30,840 per year ($2,570/month).
This is 8.2% below the national average of $33,596.
Pennsylvania ranks #37 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 17,940 people work in this occupation across Pennsylvania.
Salaries increased by 2.3% 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)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania range from $22,360 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $39,600 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $27,830 and $36,080.
Median $30,840
P10: $22,360P25: $27,830P75: $36,080P90: $39,600
10th
$22,360
25th
$27,830
Median
$30,840
75th
$36,080
90th
$39,600
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$22,360
$10.75
$1,863
25th Percentile
$27,830
$13.38
$2,319
Median (50th)
$30,840
$14.83
$2,570
75th Percentile
$36,080
$17.35
$3,006
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$39,600
$19.04
$3,300
Note: The mean (average) salary of $31,880 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania is $30,840 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $31,880.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania range from $22,360 at the 10th percentile to $39,600 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $27,830 and $36,080.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in Pennsylvania typically start around $22,360 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $27,830 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 17,940 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania is approximately $14.83 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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