As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Food Prep Worker in the United States is $37,100. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $31,751 to a high of $42,067, with most professionals earning between $34,300 and $39,700.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $39,700 | $3,308 | $763 | $19 |
| Average | $37,100 | $3,092 | $713 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,300 | $2,858 | $660 | $16 |
An entry-level Food Prep Worker with less than 1 year of experience earns about $36,599. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $37,100. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $37,954. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $38,070, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $38,264.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Food Prep Worker | $36,599 |
| Intermediate Level Food Prep Worker | $37,100 |
| Senior Level Food Prep Worker | $37,954 |
| Specialist Level Food Prep Worker | $38,070 |
| Expert Level Food Prep Worker | $38,264 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Food Prep Worker compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $35,996 in 2023 to approximately $36,036 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Food Prep Worker salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Food Prep Worker information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Food Prep Worker job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Food Prep Worker and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $37,100 | 67.0% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $2,838 | 5.1% | ||
| 401K/403B | $1,521 | 2.7% | ||
| Disability | $705 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,507 | 11.7% | ||
| Pension | $2,003 | 3.6% | ||
| Time Off | $4,709 | 8.5% | ||
| Total Compensation | $55,383 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 37.5% |
| Associates | 37.5% |
What Am I Worth?
The food prep job can be physically demanding, requiring stamina for tasks like lifting heavy boxes and standing for long periods in hot, crowded environments. Despite the challenges, the role offers a salary range from $29,800 to $42,800, with a median salary of $39,700, making it a viable option for those seeking employment in the culinary field.
The salary for a Food Prep Worker in the USA typically ranges from $29,800 to $42,800 annually, with a median salary of $39,700. This reflects the compensation for similar roles, including positions at McDonald's, which may vary based on location and experience.
Chick-fil-A USA offers competitive salaries for Food Prep Workers, with a minimum salary of $29,800, a mid-range salary of $39,700, and a maximum salary of $42,800. This reflects the company's commitment to providing fair compensation in the fast food industry.
You can earn money from food prepping through various avenues beyond just cooking. Consider offering ready-made meals, meal kits, or subscription boxes. Identify your target market and niche, build trust with your clients, and ensure your online presence is user-friendly. As a Food Prep Worker, salaries range from $29,800 to $42,800, depending on experience and location.
As of now, the salary for a Food Prep Worker in the USA ranges from $29,800 to $42,800 annually, with a median salary of $39,700. This translates to approximately $14.34 to $20.56 per hour, depending on experience and location.
A professional meal preparer is often referred to as a chef. Chefs are trained in various aspects of food preparation and may specialize in specific cuisines. In institutions like boarding schools and colleges, chefs are responsible for preparing meals for students. The salary for food prep workers typically ranges from $29,800 to $42,800, with a median salary of $39,700.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
