Food Preparation Workers pay in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the median pay for food preparation workers is $18.70 an hour ($38,900 a year). About 13,620 people work in this job there.
That is 10% higher than the U.S. median ($35,320). Massachusetts ranks 5th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Massachusetts
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $16.48 | $34,280 |
| 25% of workers | $17.34 | $36,060 |
| Half of workers (median) | $18.70 | $38,900 |
| 75% of workers | $21.43 | $44,580 |
| 90% of workers | $23.28 | $48,420 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Massachusetts metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton | $40,140 | 510 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton | $39,660 | 9,630 |
| Barnstable Town | $38,660 | 670 |
| Pittsfield | $36,930 | 310 |
| Worcester | $36,550 | 1,390 |
| Springfield | $36,020 | 810 |
Massachusetts unemployment rate: 4.3% (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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $35,850 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $45,600 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $35,380 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $47,790 |
| Bakers | $38,130 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $69,540 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $36,750 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $44,290 |
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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.