Kentucky ranks 49th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $14,430 — a 59% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $18,390 to $35,970 — a $17,580 spread, 15% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.35 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.35× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $18,390 | $8.84 |
| 25th percentile | $21,070 | $10.13 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $24,520 | $11.79 |
| 75th percentile | $30,570 | $14.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,970 | $17.29 |
| Mean (average) | $26,280 | $12.64 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $24,520 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +59% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +58% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +57% |
| California | $38,150 | +56% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +54% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +52% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +51% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +50% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $23,900 | 1,170 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $25,530 | 640 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $23,420 | 20,250 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $26,000 | 6,000 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,060 | 2,680 |
| Skincare Specialists | $26,360 | 720 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Kentucky?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Kentucky is $26,280 per year. The median (middle) salary is $24,520 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $18,390 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $21,070 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $35,970 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $30,570 per year.
How does the Kentucky Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Kentucky is $24,520, which is -28% below national average of $34,220.