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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Service Worker in Tennessee is $30,321 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Food Service Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Service Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $32,494 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $30,321 | $2,527 | $583 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,929 | $2,327 | $537 | $13 |
US Department of Defense - Fort Campbell, TN
USA Government Jobs - Fort Campbell, TN
Covenant Health - Knoxville, TN
Software Technology, Inc. - Chattanooga, TN
A Food Service Worker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Service Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Food Service Worker roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Food Service Worker positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Service Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $35,779 | $17.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $34,869 | $17.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $33,959 | $16.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $33,353 | $16.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $32,746 | $16.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Food Service Worker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $32,494 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
| Average | $30,321 | $2,527 | $583 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,929 | $2,327 | $537 | $13 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Service Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MACON HOSPITAL INC
Lafayette, TN
MACON HOSPITAL INC | Lafayette, TN
Job Description. Job Description. MACON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL. Position Description. Department Name: Dietary. Job Title. Food Service Worker. Reports to (Tit... more
4 Days Ago
Lane College
Jackson, TN
Lane College | Jackson, TN
Seasonal Food Service Worker. Lane College - Jackson, TN 38301. Position Type Seasonal Education Level High School Travel Percentage None Category Entry Le... more
4 Days Ago
Oak Ridge Schools
Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge Schools | Oak Ridge, TN
Food Service Position at Oak Ridge Schools. SFE is looking to add to their Food Service Department at Oak Ridge Schools. These positions are Monday - Frida... more
4 Days Ago
Wellington Regional Medical Center
Franklin, TN
Wellington Regional Medical Center | Franklin, TN
Food Service Worker. Responsibilities At Rolling Hills, our mission is to offer compassionate, safe, effective behavioral healthcare treatment. We use solu... more
4 Days Ago
Aramark
Knoxville, TN
Aramark | Knoxville, TN
Aramark - - Responsibilities: Prepare quality food and baked goods according to a planned menu. Serve food according to meal schedules. Maintain a clean an... more
5 Days Ago
Alan B. Miller Medical Center
Franklin, TN
Alan B. Miller Medical Center | Franklin, TN
Alan B. Miller Medical Center - - Responsibilities: Serve meals to all cafeteria customers. Clean work area as necessary or assigned. Accept and reconcile ... more
5 Days Ago
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