Food Preparation Worker Salary in Memphis, TN
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Memphis area earns $27,290 a year ($13.12 an hour), 23% below the U.S. median ($35,320) and 5% below the Tennessee median ($28,700). Half of the 3,530 food preparation workers there earn between $22,370 and $34,120.
| Annual pay | Memphis area | Tennessee | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,370 | $22,290 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $22,370 | $24,350 | $29,950 |
| Median | $27,290 | $28,700 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $34,120 | $35,820 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $37,240 | $39,660 | $45,340 |
| Average | $29,130 | $30,860 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 3,530 | 19,780 | 893,600 |
Memphis, TN ranks 50th 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
- Nashville, TN: $34,640
- 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
- San Diego, CA: $38,780
- All cities
Similar jobs in Memphis, TN
- Restaurant Cook: $36,340
- Fast Food Worker: $27,490
- Waiter: $24,550
- Food Service Supervisor: $39,620
- Bartender: $28,710
- All jobs in Memphis, TN
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.