Food Preparation Workers Salary in Minnesota

Food preparation workers in Minnesota earn the most in Minneapolis (average $36,390 a year) and the least in Mankato ($33,820), across the 5 Minnesota metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the food preparation workers average at $35,610 and the median at $34,850 for 24,620 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $35,290.

Food Preparation Workers average salary by city in Minnesota

Minneapolis$36,390
Rochester$35,820
St. Cloud$34,220
Duluth$33,840
Mankato$33,820

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Minneapolis	$36,390	$35,100	$30,710	$30,291	105
Rochester	$35,820	$35,470	$29,210	$29,864	91
St. Cloud	$34,220	$33,540	$29,150	$28,664	88
Duluth	$33,840	$34,010	$28,720	$28,379	89
Mankato	$33,820	$33,440	$29,210	$28,364	91

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Minnesota Paid 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 Minnesota

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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