Food Preparation Workers pay in Montana
In Montana, the median pay for food preparation workers is $16.28 an hour ($33,860 a year). About 2,990 people work in this job there.
That is 4% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). Montana ranks 29th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Montana
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $12.50 | $26,000 |
| 25% of workers | $13.80 | $28,710 |
| Half of workers (median) | $16.28 | $33,860 |
| 75% of workers | $17.84 | $37,110 |
| 90% of workers | $20.87 | $43,410 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Montana metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $38,260 | 480 |
| Missoula | $35,020 | 380 |
| Helena | $34,960 | 210 |
| Billings | $34,590 | 580 |
| Great Falls | $30,490 | 250 |
Montana unemployment rate: 3.2% (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 Montana
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,090 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $38,060 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $37,150 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,510 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $32,090 |
| Bakers | $37,200 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $26,770 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $41,600 |
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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.