Massachusetts ranks 5th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $1,170 — a 3% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,310 to $50,580 — a $16,270 spread, 22% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Massachusetts than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.41× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,310 | $16.50 |
| 25th percentile | $35,870 | $17.25 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,780 | $18.17 |
| 75th percentile | $44,310 | $21.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Mean (average) | $40,620 | $19.53 |
How Massachusetts Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (current) | $37,780 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +3% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +2% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +2% |
| California | $38,150 | +1% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | -1% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | -2% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | -3% |
| Oregon | $36,390 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Massachusetts
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $37,780 | 4,420 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $37,920 | 37,750 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $37,980 | 48,880 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $38,130 | 4,080 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $38,150 | 15,580 |
| Dishwashers | $37,350 | 12,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Massachusetts?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Massachusetts is $40,620 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,780 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Massachusetts?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Massachusetts typically earn around $34,310 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,870 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Massachusetts?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Massachusetts make approximately $50,580 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $44,310 per year.
How does the Massachusetts Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Massachusetts is $37,780, which is +10% above national average of $34,220.