Food Preparation Workers pay in Idaho
In Idaho, the median pay for food preparation workers is $15.15 an hour ($31,510 a year). About 4,670 people work in this job there.
That is 11% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). Idaho ranks 34th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Idaho
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $10.65 | $22,150 |
| 25% of workers | $13.24 | $27,530 |
| Half of workers (median) | $15.15 | $31,510 |
| 75% of workers | $17.71 | $36,850 |
| 90% of workers | $19.36 | $40,260 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Idaho metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Coeur d'Alene | $36,830 | 480 |
| Lewiston | $35,780 | 170 |
| Boise City | $35,340 | 1,830 |
| Idaho Falls | $30,490 | 400 |
| Twin Falls | $29,960 | 290 |
| Pocatello | $29,290 | 210 |
Idaho unemployment rate: 3.6% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for food preparation workers
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -3% over ten years, declining · about 135,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Idaho
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,940 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,440 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $35,600 |
| Bakers | $34,060 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $31,070 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,810 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $38,030 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $34,220 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.