Food Preparation Workers Salary in Mississippi

Food preparation workers in Mississippi earn the most in Hattiesburg (average $29,100 a year) and the least in Gulfport ($26,660), across the 3 Mississippi metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the food preparation workers average at $26,750 and the median at $26,240 for 7,870 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $35,290.

Food Preparation Workers average salary by city in Mississippi

Hattiesburg$29,100
Jackson$27,550
Gulfport$26,660

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Hattiesburg	$29,100	$28,270	$22,100	$25,130	88
Jackson	$27,550	$27,200	$21,040	$23,927	89
Gulfport	$26,660	$24,370	$21,520	$23,230	90

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. 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 Mississippi

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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