Food Preparation Worker Salary in Columbus, OH
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Columbus area earns $36,930 a year ($17.75 an hour), 5% above the U.S. median ($35,320) and 7% above the Ohio median ($34,530). Half of the 3,210 food preparation workers there earn between $31,200 and $39,730.
| Annual pay | Columbus area | Ohio | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,890 | $26,640 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 | $28,930 | $29,950 |
| Median | $36,930 | $34,530 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $39,730 | $38,070 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $46,670 | $44,500 | $45,340 |
| Average | $37,060 | $34,560 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 3,210 | 19,480 | 893,600 |
Columbus, OH ranks 13th 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
- Cleveland, OH: $35,360
- Cincinnati, OH: $34,320
- San Jose, CA: $45,580
- Seattle, WA: $43,830
- San Francisco, CA: $41,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $39,770
- Boston, MA: $39,660
- Denver, CO: $39,470
- All cities
Similar jobs in Columbus, OH
- Restaurant Cook: $36,590
- Fast Food Worker: $28,670
- Waiter: $37,490
- Food Service Supervisor: $37,790
- Bartender: $37,000
- All jobs in Columbus, OH
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.