Food Preparation Workers Salary in Kentucky
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - KY
Median Annual Salary in Kentucky
$25,863
$12.43 / hour
▼ 11.0% below national avg
National Median
$29,060
$13.97 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$28,578
Missouri equivalent (COL: 90.5)
Food Preparation Workers Salary in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $13,707 |
| 25th Percentile | $18,621 |
| 50th (Median) | $25,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,691 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $44,484 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Kentucky median salary of $25,863 for Food Preparation Workers has the purchasing power of approximately $28,578 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Kentucky's lower cost of living (COL index: 90.5) 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 Kentucky?
Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky earn a median annual salary of $25,863 per year ($12.43/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $29,060.
Is Kentucky a good state for Food Preparation Workers?
Kentucky pays slightly below the national average for food preparation workers. Cost of living in Kentucky is lower average (COL index: 90.5).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 90.5 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $25,863 salary in Kentucky has the purchasing power of approximately $28,578 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Kentucky increase real purchasing power.
How does Kentucky 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 Kentucky
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $295,658 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $275,829 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $272,536 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $262,123 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $241,973 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $222,320 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $217,089 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $216,573 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Food Preparation Workers in Kentucky
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