Food Preparation Workers pay in Lincoln

In Lincoln (NE), the median pay for food preparation workers is $16.93 an hour ($35,210 a year). About 1,270 people work in this job there.

$16.93Median hourly pay
$32,840–$36,970Middle half of workers, yearly
1,270People in this job in Lincoln (NE)

That is about the same as the U.S. median ($35,320). It is about the same as the Nebraska median ($35,210).

Pay range for food preparation workers in Lincoln (NE)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$13.99$29,100
25% of workers$15.79$32,840
Half of workers (median)$16.93$35,210
75% of workers$17.77$36,970
90% of workers$19.48$40,510

Food Preparation Workers pay in Nebraska metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Omaha$36,1403,690
Lincoln (this page)$35,2101,270
Grand Island$34,590190

Nebraska unemployment rate: 2.9% (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 Lincoln (NE)

JobMedian yearly pay
Fast Food and Counter Workers$28,510

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.