Food Processing Workers earn $38,990 median – what the job pays in 2025
The median annual wage for Food Processing Workers is $38,990, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $19 per hour. Most workers earn between $30,000 (10th percentile) and $53,120 (90th percentile). With 879,430 people employed in the occupation, these are the numbers that matter for your paycheck.
How much Food Processing Workers earn
The BLS reports the median annual salary for Food Processing Workers at $38,990. The mean hourly wage is $19.70. If you're just starting out, the bottom 10% earn about $30,000. The top 10% make $53,120 or more. Experience, location, and employer type all push pay within that range.
- Median: $38,990
- Mean: $40,980 ($19.70/hr)
- 10th percentile: $30,000
- 90th percentile: $53,120
Pay by state
Food Processing Worker salaries vary widely by state. According to BLS data, the highest-paying states include Alaska, where mean annual wages reach around $50,000. California and Nevada also rank near the top, with mean earnings above $45,000. On the lower end, states like Mississippi and Arkansas have mean wages closer to $33,000. The cost of living and concentration of food processing facilities drive these differences.
- Highest-paying states: Alaska (~$50,000 mean), California (~$46,000 mean), Nevada (~$45,000 mean)
- Lower-paying states: Mississippi (~$33,000 mean), Arkansas (~$33,500 mean), South Dakota (~$34,000 mean)
How to become a Food Processing Worker
Most Food Processing Worker jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical — you learn safety procedures, equipment operation, and quality checks from experienced workers. Some employers prefer candidates with basic math and reading skills. Certifications aren't required, but a food safety certificate (e.g., ServSafe) can help. The occupation is entry-level, so prior experience is rarely needed. Advancement often leads to supervisor or lead worker roles.
- High school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training (typically a few weeks to a month)
- No license or certification required, though food safety certifications are a plus
- Basic skills in math, reading, and following instructions
Job outlook
The BLS has not published a specific growth projection for Food Processing Workers from 2024 to 2034. However, overall employment in food manufacturing is expected to remain steady. Automation may affect slower roles, but demand for processed food should keep the occupation stable. Turnover is relatively high, so openings arise frequently.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Food Processing Worker?
Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn around $30,000 per year. Starting pay varies by employer and location, but $14-$15 per hour is common.
Do Food Processing Workers get benefits?
Many full-time positions offer health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Benefits depend on the employer; larger food processing plants tend to have better packages.
Is being a Food Processing Worker dangerous?
The job involves machinery and wet or slippery floors. Injuries like cuts and falls are possible. Employers require safety training and protective gear. Following procedures reduces risk.
Can I advance from a Food Processing Worker?
Yes. With experience, workers can become supervisors, quality control inspectors, or maintenance technicians. Some move into production management with additional education.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Food Processing Workers data.