Food Preparation Workers Salary in Indiana
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - IN
Median Annual Salary in Indiana
$26,445
$12.71 / hour
▼ 9.0% below national avg
National Median
$29,060
$13.97 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$29,124
Missouri equivalent (COL: 90.8)
Food Preparation Workers Salary in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $14,016 |
| 25th Percentile | $19,040 |
| 50th (Median) | $26,445 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,494 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $45,485 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Indiana median salary of $26,445 for Food Preparation Workers has the purchasing power of approximately $29,124 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Indiana's lower cost of living (COL index: 90.8) means your salary goes further than in higher-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Indiana?
Food Preparation Workers in Indiana earn a median annual salary of $26,445 per year ($12.71/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $29,060.
Is Indiana a good state for Food Preparation Workers?
Indiana pays slightly below the national average for food preparation workers. Cost of living in Indiana is lower average (COL index: 90.8).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Food Preparation Workers in Indiana?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 90.8 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $26,445 salary in Indiana has the purchasing power of approximately $29,124 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Indiana increase real purchasing power.
How does Indiana compare to neighboring states for Food Preparation Workers salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Food Preparation Workers salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Indiana
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $302,302 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $282,027 |
| 3 | Neurologists | $268,996 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $268,013 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $247,411 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $227,316 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $221,967 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $221,439 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Food Preparation Workers in Indiana
Food Preparation Workers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: No formal credential