Food Preparation Workers pay in Kansas City
In Kansas City (MO), the median pay for food preparation workers is $15.49 an hour ($32,230 a year). About 5,080 people work in this job there.
That is 9% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 2% higher than the Missouri median ($31,510).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Kansas City (MO)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.55 | $28,180 |
| 25% of workers | $14.34 | $29,820 |
| Half of workers (median) | $15.49 | $32,230 |
| 75% of workers | $18.00 | $37,440 |
| 90% of workers | $20.79 | $43,240 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Missouri metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield | $35,340 | 1,490 |
| St. Louis | $32,400 | 6,220 |
| Kansas City (this page) | $32,230 | 5,080 |
| Columbia | $29,710 | 470 |
| Jefferson City | $29,200 | 260 |
| Joplin | $29,010 | 410 |
| St. Joseph | $28,960 | 440 |
| Cape Girardeau | $28,860 | 240 |
Missouri unemployment rate: 3.5% (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 Kansas City (MO)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,560 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $30,170 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,370 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $36,080 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $30,200 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $33,620 |
| Bakers | $35,650 |
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.