Food Preparation Workers pay in Cincinnati
In Cincinnati (OH), the median pay for food preparation workers is $16.50 an hour ($34,320 a year). About 5,320 people work in this job there.
That is 3% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is about the same as the Ohio median ($34,530).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Cincinnati (OH)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $11.65 | $24,230 |
| 25% of workers | $13.84 | $28,790 |
| Half of workers (median) | $16.50 | $34,320 |
| 75% of workers | $18.16 | $37,780 |
| 90% of workers | $21.36 | $44,420 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Ohio metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $36,930 | 3,210 |
| Cleveland | $35,360 | 4,410 |
| Toledo | $35,260 | 950 |
| Akron | $35,010 | 1,110 |
| Cincinnati (this page) | $34,320 | 5,320 |
| Mansfield | $34,270 | 200 |
| Sandusky | $34,080 | 270 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $33,110 | 1,060 |
| Springfield | $31,840 | 160 |
| Canton-Massillon | $31,420 | 810 |
| Youngstown-Warren | $30,310 | 720 |
| Lima | $29,720 | 230 |
Ohio unemployment rate: 3.3% (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 Cincinnati (OH)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,720 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,030 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $28,930 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $37,180 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $32,070 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $29,890 |
| Bakers | $35,970 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $56,620 |
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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.