Food Preparation Workers pay in Wichita
In Wichita (KS), the median pay for food preparation workers is $14.40 an hour ($29,940 a year). About 1,380 people work in this job there.
That is 15% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is about the same as the Kansas median ($30,280).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Wichita (KS)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $10.59 | $22,020 |
| 25% of workers | $13.46 | $27,990 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.40 | $29,940 |
| 75% of workers | $16.58 | $34,480 |
| 90% of workers | $19.47 | $40,500 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Kansas metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | $31,350 | 350 |
| Topeka | $30,300 | 700 |
| Wichita (this page) | $29,940 | 1,380 |
| Manhattan | $29,270 | 290 |
Kansas unemployment rate: 3.8% (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 Wichita (KS)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $27,420 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $34,510 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $31,850 |
Other job titles for this job
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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.