Food Preparation Workers pay in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood

In Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood (MI), the median pay for food preparation workers is $15.35 an hour ($31,920 a year). About 1,970 people work in this job there.

$15.35Median hourly pay
$27,620–$36,540Middle half of workers, yearly
1,970People in this job in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood (MI)

That is 10% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 2% higher than the Michigan median ($31,180).

Pay range for food preparation workers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood (MI)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$12.79$26,590
25% of workers$13.28$27,620
Half of workers (median)$15.35$31,920
75% of workers$17.57$36,540
90% of workers$19.78$41,130

Food Preparation Workers pay in Michigan metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Ann Arbor$34,100590
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn$33,0608,250
Traverse City$31,980400
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood (this page)$31,9201,970
Flint$31,510530
Kalamazoo-Portage$31,410490
Jackson$31,120170
Muskegon-Norton Shores$30,100170
Monroe$30,060180
Battle Creek$29,650330
Niles$29,640340
Lansing-East Lansing$29,340740
Saginaw$28,960320
Bay City$28,790150
Midland$27,290140

Michigan unemployment rate: 5% (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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood (MI)

JobMedian yearly pay
Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,240
Cooks, Restaurant$37,360
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$37,800
Cooks, Fast Food$28,980
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$30,440
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$32,770

Other job titles for this job

Diet AideNutrition AideCulinary WorkerCafeteria AideCatererCaterer HelperChicken and Fish ButcherCold Meat CookCook AideCrew Mess AttendantDeli ClerkDeli Slicer

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Source: 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.