Food Preparation Workers pay in Knoxville
In Knoxville (TN), the median pay for food preparation workers is $14.89 an hour ($30,960 a year). About 2,510 people work in this job there.
That is 12% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 8% higher than the Tennessee median ($28,700).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Knoxville (TN)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $10.81 | $22,480 |
| 25% of workers | $12.34 | $25,670 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.89 | $30,960 |
| 75% of workers | $17.02 | $35,400 |
| 90% of workers | $18.78 | $39,060 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $34,640 | 6,410 |
| Knoxville (this page) | $30,960 | 2,510 |
| Chattanooga | $30,300 | 1,780 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $28,020 | 930 |
| Memphis | $27,290 | 3,530 |
| Clarksville | $27,030 | 790 |
| Morristown | $27,020 | 280 |
| Jackson | $26,970 | 580 |
| Johnson City | $26,850 | 800 |
| Cleveland | $25,430 | 280 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (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 Knoxville (TN)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $27,720 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,520 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $27,580 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $30,080 |
Other job titles for this job
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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.