Food Preparation Workers Salary in Idaho

Food preparation workers in Idaho earn the most in Coeur d'Alene (average $35,200 a year) and the least in Pocatello ($30,890), across the 6 Idaho metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the food preparation workers average at $32,380 and the median at $31,510 for 4,670 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $35,290.

Food Preparation Workers average salary by city in Idaho

Coeur d'Alene$35,200
Lewiston$33,960
Boise$33,940
Idaho Falls$31,830
Twin Falls$31,810
Pocatello$30,890

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Coeur d'Alene	$35,200	$36,830	$29,330	$29,706	98
Lewiston	$33,960	$35,780	$28,180	$28,775	91
Boise	$33,940	$35,340	$28,580	$28,760	98
Idaho Falls	$31,830	$30,490	$27,230	$27,177	94
Twin Falls	$31,810	$29,960	$27,370	$27,162	92
Pocatello	$30,890	$29,290	$26,630	$26,471	89

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Idaho's zero bracket uses the latest published amount ($4,811, 2025). Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Food Preparation Workers salary in other states

Food Preparation Workers salary by city and state

More about pay in Idaho

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 35-2021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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