Food Preparation Workers pay in Boston-Cambridge-Newton
In Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA), the median pay for food preparation workers is $19.07 an hour ($39,660 a year). About 9,630 people work in this job there.
That is 12% higher than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 2% higher than the Massachusetts median ($38,900).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $16.71 | $34,760 |
| 25% of workers | $17.58 | $36,570 |
| Half of workers (median) | $19.07 | $39,660 |
| 75% of workers | $21.84 | $45,430 |
| 90% of workers | $23.29 | $48,450 |
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 (this page) | $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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $36,290 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $45,830 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $34,780 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $48,530 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $39,600 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $72,470 |
| Bakers | $38,570 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $37,330 |
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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.