Food Preparation Workers pay in Jackson
In Jackson (MS), the median pay for food preparation workers is $13.08 an hour ($27,200 a year). About 1,220 people work in this job there.
That is 23% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 4% higher than the Mississippi median ($26,240).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Jackson (MS)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $9.00 | $18,720 |
| 25% of workers | $10.12 | $21,040 |
| Half of workers (median) | $13.08 | $27,200 |
| 75% of workers | $16.12 | $33,540 |
| 90% of workers | $17.90 | $37,240 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Mississippi metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hattiesburg | $28,270 | 620 |
| Jackson (this page) | $27,200 | 1,220 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | $24,370 | 1,440 |
Mississippi unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Jackson (MS)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $22,630 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $22,310 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $29,260 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $26,980 |
Other job titles for this job
Open food preparation workers jobs on JAI Bot
No open jobs in this field right now. Search all jobs or set up a free job alert.
Hiring food preparation workers? Use the free hiring guide for a job description and interview questions, then post the job on JAI Bot. Every job shows typical pay to job seekers.
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.