Food Preparation Workers pay in Omaha
In Omaha (NE), the median pay for food preparation workers is $17.37 an hour ($36,140 a year). About 3,690 people work in this job there.
That is 2% higher than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 3% higher than the Nebraska median ($35,210).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Omaha (NE)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.99 | $29,100 |
| 25% of workers | $14.33 | $29,800 |
| Half of workers (median) | $17.37 | $36,140 |
| 75% of workers | $18.24 | $37,930 |
| 90% of workers | $21.00 | $43,680 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Nebraska metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha (this page) | $36,140 | 3,690 |
| Lincoln | $35,210 | 1,270 |
| Grand Island | $34,590 | 190 |
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 Omaha (NE)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,450 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,840 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $36,750 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $32,150 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $31,220 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $31,170 |
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.