Food Preparation Workers Salary in Tennessee
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for food preparation workers in Tennessee was $28,700 -18.7% vs national
Tennessee vs United States
| Tennessee | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $28,700 | $35,320 |
| Median hourly | $13.80 | $16.98 |
| Employment | 19,780 | 893,600 |
| Location quotient | 1.05 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (Tennessee) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Reading the data
With approximately 19,780 food preparation workers employed in Tennessee, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
The mean wage of $30,860 sits 7.5% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average food preparation workers salary in Tennessee?
The median annual wage in Tennessee is $28,700 ($13.80 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does Tennessee compare to the national average for food preparation workers?
The Tennessee median of $28,700 is 18.7% lower than the U.S. median of $35,320.
How many food preparation workers work in Tennessee?
Approximately 19,780 are employed in Tennessee, per BLS OES.