Missouri ranks 34th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $8,420 — a 28% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,390 to $38,880 — a $12,490 spread, 40% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Missouri employs roughly 1.7% of all food preparation workers in the country (15,250 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,390 | $12.69 |
| 25th percentile | $28,410 | $13.66 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| 75th percentile | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,880 | $18.69 |
| Mean (average) | $32,550 | $15.65 |
How Missouri Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri (current) | $30,530 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +28% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +27% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +26% |
| California | $38,150 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +24% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +22% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +21% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Missouri
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $30,500 | 4,030 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,390 | 5,470 |
| Recreation Workers | $30,910 | 5,530 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $30,920 | 13,310 |
| Dishwashers | $31,000 | 8,150 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $31,080 | 4,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Missouri?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Missouri is $32,550 per year. The median (middle) salary is $30,530 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Missouri?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Missouri typically earn around $26,390 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,410 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Missouri?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Missouri make approximately $38,880 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,960 per year.
How does the Missouri Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Missouri is $30,530, which is -11% below national average of $34,220.