How Much Does a Food Preparer make?

Food Preparer made a median salary around $31,965 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $37,612 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $28,229. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Food Preparer jobs in Knoxville, Tennessee

Food Grade Tank Regional CDL Truck Driver

Ruan Transportation Management Systems - REXFORD, KS

Clinical Dietitian Food and Nutrition PRN

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel - WESLEY CHAPEL, FL

Food Grade Tank CDL Truck Driver

Ruan Transportation Management Systems - REXFORD, KS

Registered Dietitian Food and Nutrition Services Part-time

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel - WESLEY CHAPEL, FL

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Best-Paying Cities for Food Preparer

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Food Preparer profession are Elora , Flintville , Taft , Cornersville , Dellrose .
Elora, TN $33,485
Flintville, TN $33,485
Taft, TN $33,485
Cornersville, TN $33,446
Dellrose, TN $33,446

Best-Paying States for Food Preparer

The states and districts that pay Food Preparer the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $38,575) , California (around $38,428) , Massachusetts (around $37,916) , Washington (around $37,777) , and New Jersey (around $37,763) .
District of Columbia $38,575
California $38,428
Massachusetts $37,916
Washington $37,777
New Jersey $37,763

What is the Career Path of Food Preparer?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Food Preparer, the first career path typically starts with a Fast Food Shift Supervisor position , and then progresses to Fast Food Assistant Manager.

The second career path typically starts with a Food Services Supervisor position , and then progresses to Food Services Manager.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with an Assistant Restaurant Manager position , and then progresses to Restaurant Manager.

Besides, Food Preparer can also turn to other related jobs, including Tax Preparer , Certified Tax Preparer , Income Tax Preparer and Tax Return Preparer .

Frequently Asked Questions for Food Preparer

Q: What is the salary range of Food Preparer in Knoxville, TN?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Food Preparer in Knoxville, TN earned an average annual salary of $28,229 , while the highest-paid made $37,612.
Q: What is the salary for a Food Preparer in California?
A: Food Preparer employed in California earned an average salary of $38,428 in 2025.

Average Food Preparer Pay vs. Other Jobs

Food Preparer earned an average salary of $31,965 in 2025. Other jobs related to Food Preparer earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Tax Preparer made $59,499 , Certified Tax Preparer made $55,072 , Income Tax Preparer and Tax Return Preparer made $61,297 and $59,499 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Food Preparer

Tax Preparer - Average Salary $59,499
There is currently no job description for Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Tax Preparer.
Certified Tax Preparer - Average Salary $55,072
There is currently no job description for Certified Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Certified Tax Preparer.
Income Tax Preparer - Average Salary $61,297
There is currently no job description for Income Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Income Tax Preparer.
Tax Return Preparer - Average Salary $59,499
There is currently no job description for Tax Return Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Tax Return Preparer.
Seasonal Tax Preparer - Average Salary $90,218
There is currently no job description for Seasonal Tax Preparer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Seasonal Tax Preparer.