Food Preparation Workers Salary in Massachusetts

Food preparation workers in Massachusetts earn the most in Boston (average $41,630 a year) and the least in Springfield ($38,520), across the 6 Massachusetts metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the food preparation workers average at $41,030 and the median at $38,900 for 13,620 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $35,290.

Food Preparation Workers average salary by city in Massachusetts

Boston$41,630
Barnstable$40,990
Amherst$39,900
Pittsfield$39,410
Worcester$38,700
Springfield$38,520

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Boston	$41,630	$39,660	$36,570	$33,868	108
Barnstable	$40,990	$38,660	$35,480	$33,386	98
Amherst	$39,900	$40,140	$36,610	$32,565	100
Pittsfield	$39,410	$36,930	$34,260	$32,195	95
Worcester	$38,700	$36,550	$34,990	$31,660	103
Springfield	$38,520	$36,020	$34,040	$31,525	96

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums are not included. 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 Massachusetts

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.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.