Food Preparation Workers pay in Springfield
In Springfield (MO), the median pay for food preparation workers is $16.99 an hour ($35,340 a year). About 1,490 people work in this job there.
That is about the same as the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 12% higher than the Missouri median ($31,510).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Springfield (MO)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.75 | $28,600 |
| 25% of workers | $14.12 | $29,370 |
| Half of workers (median) | $16.99 | $35,340 |
| 75% of workers | $23.86 | $49,620 |
| 90% of workers | $23.86 | $49,620 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Missouri metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield (this page) | $35,340 | 1,490 |
| St. Louis | $32,400 | 6,220 |
| Kansas City | $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 Springfield (MO)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Cooks, Fast Food | $29,190 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,950 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,100 |
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.