Tennessee ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $9,970 — a 34% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $22,750 to $38,820 — a $16,070 spread, 23% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.5% of all food preparation workers in the country (22,530 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $22,750 | $10.94 |
| 25th percentile | $25,430 | $12.23 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,980 | $13.94 |
| 75th percentile | $35,620 | $17.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,820 | $18.66 |
| Mean (average) | $30,350 | $14.59 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $28,980 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +34% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +33% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +33% |
| California | $38,150 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +30% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +29% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +28% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +27% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Short Order | $29,000 | 2,890 |
| Childcare Workers | $29,030 | 13,190 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $29,050 | 4,940 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,170 | 5,240 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,200 | 6,400 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $29,210 | 1,590 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Tennessee?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Tennessee is $30,350 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,980 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Tennessee?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $22,750 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $25,430 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $38,820 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,620 per year.
How does the Tennessee Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Tennessee is $28,980, which is -15% below national average of $34,220.