Food Preparation Worker Salary in Boston, MA
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Boston area earns $39,660 a year ($19.07 an hour), 12% above the U.S. median ($35,320) and 2% above the Massachusetts median ($38,900). Half of the 9,630 food preparation workers there earn between $36,570 and $45,430.
| Annual pay | Boston area | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,760 | $34,280 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $36,570 | $36,060 | $29,950 |
| Median | $39,660 | $38,900 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $45,430 | $44,580 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $48,450 | $48,420 | $45,340 |
| Average | $41,630 | $41,030 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 9,630 | 13,620 | 893,600 |
Boston, MA ranks 5th of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for food preparation worker pay. Highest: San Jose, CA ($45,580).
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Check my payFood preparation worker pay in other cities
- San Jose, CA: $45,580
- Seattle, WA: $43,830
- San Francisco, CA: $41,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $39,770
- Denver, CO: $39,470
- San Diego, CA: $38,780
- Portland, OR: $38,730
- Sacramento, CA: $38,480
- All cities
Similar jobs in Boston, MA
- Restaurant Cook: $45,830
- Fast Food Worker: $36,290
- Waiter: $39,270
- Food Service Supervisor: $47,090
- Bartender: $37,760
- All jobs in Boston, MA
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.