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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 salary in Pennsylvania — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Pennsylvania.10thBottom 10% earn less than $22,360$22,36025th25% earn less than $27,830$27,830MedianHalf earn more than $30,840$30,84075th75% earn less than $36,080$36,08090thTop 10% earn more than $39,600$39,600

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)

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

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: $22,360 P25: $27,830 P75: $36,080 P90: $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 Does This Compare?

#37
Pennsylvania ranks #37 of 51 states
$33,596
National avg. for Food Preparation Workers
-8.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Pennsylvania:

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

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

Explore Food Preparation Workers Data in Pennsylvania

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 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.

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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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