Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers earn $34,080 median salary: 2025 pay & outlook
If you work in food service but aren't a cook, waiter, or bartender, you're lumped into a broad BLS category: Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers. The median salary for this occupation is $34,080, according to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With 1.5 million workers, it's one of the largest occupations in the U.S., covering roles like cafeteria attendants, food preparers, and counter workers.
Pay varies widely. The lowest 10% earn $22,820 or less, while the top 10% bring home $44,510 or more. The mean hourly wage is about $16.33. These figures are estimates from the BLS's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
How much Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers earn
The national median annual wage for this occupation is $34,080, meaning half of workers earn more and half earn less. The mean (average) wage is slightly lower at $33,960, or about $16.33 per hour. The typical range—from the 10th to 90th percentile—spans $22,820 to $44,510.
This category includes a mix of part-time and full-time roles, often at minimum wage or slightly above. Tipped positions are less common here than for waitstaff or bartenders. Pay is determined by employer, location, and experience. For example, workers in school cafeterias or hospitals may earn more than those in fast-food chains.
Pay by state
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not release state-level data for this specific occupation due to its broad and varied nature. Because the category aggregates many different job titles, pay tends to follow regional minimum wages and cost-of-living differences. In general, states with higher minimum wages (like California or Washington) pay more, while states with lower minimum wages (like Mississippi or Arkansas) pay less. Check your state's labor department for localized wages.
How to become Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker
This occupation has a very low barrier to entry. Most workers have no formal educational requirement beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is standard, typically lasting days or weeks. Some employers may require a food handler's permit or ServSafe certification, which can be obtained cheaply online or at a community college.
Ages vary widely—many workers are teenagers or young adults starting their first job. Advancement is possible by moving into lead positions, supervisors, or transitioning to specialized roles like line cook or restaurant manager. No licensing is required except where local health codes mandate food safety cards.
- Education: None required; high school diploma common.
- Certification: Food handler's permit recommended (varies by state).
- Training: Short on-the-job training (1 week to 1 month).
- Entry: Apply directly to restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools, or fast-food outlets.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a projected growth rate for this occupation for 2024–2034. However, the overall food preparation and serving industry is expected to grow slowly as automation and self-service kiosks reduce demand for some counter roles. Replacement needs due to high turnover will create many job openings, but competition is strong in areas with many low-skilled workers. The large employment base—over 1.5 million—means even small changes can affect thousands of jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers?
The median annual salary is $34,080, according to BLS 2024 data. Half of workers earn more than this, half earn less.
What do Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers do?
This broad BLS category includes counter attendants, cafeteria workers, food preparers, and serving line workers who are not cooks, waitstaff, or bartenders. Duties include prepping ingredients, serving food, cleaning stations, and operating cash registers.
How can I become an Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker?
You typically need no formal education. A high school diploma is common, but many employers accept applicants with no diploma. On-the-job training is provided. Some states require a food handler's permit, which is easy to get. Apply directly to restaurants, schools, hospitals, or other food service venues.
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 Other Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers data.