Ohio ranks 30th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $7,360 — a 23% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $24,680 to $39,290 — a $14,610 spread, 30% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Ohio than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.61 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.64× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $24,680 | $11.87 |
| 25th percentile | $28,230 | $13.57 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $31,590 | $15.19 |
| 75th percentile | $36,160 | $17.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,290 | $18.89 |
| Mean (average) | $32,540 | $15.64 |
How Ohio Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio (current) | $31,590 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +23% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +22% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +22% |
| California | $38,150 | +21% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +20% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +18% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +17% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Ohio
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $31,570 | 6,620 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $31,650 | 11,160 |
| Bakers | $31,470 | 9,220 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $31,350 | 4,220 |
| Recreation Workers | $31,030 | 12,310 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $32,500 | 20,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Ohio?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Ohio is $32,540 per year. The median (middle) salary is $31,590 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Ohio?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Ohio typically earn around $24,680 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,230 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Ohio?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Ohio make approximately $39,290 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,160 per year.
How does the Ohio Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Ohio is $31,590, which is -8% below national average of $34,220.