Food Preparation Worker salary in Helena, MT
Food Preparation Workers in the Helena, MT metro area earn a median of $34,960 a year ($16.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,290 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $35,320. Pay here is 3% higher than the Montana statewide median of $33,860. There are 4.8 food preparation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,440, close to the median.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Helena, MT
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,020 | $11.55 |
| 25th percentile | $28,810 | $13.85 |
| Median | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| 75th percentile | $36,020 | $17.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $41,290 | $19.85 |
| Average (mean) | $33,440 | $16.08 |
Half of food preparation workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,913.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,456.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,344.62 |
| Weekly | $672.31 |
| Hourly | $16.81 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Food Preparation Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $38,260 | 480 |
| Missoula, MT | $35,020 | 380 |
| Billings, MT | $34,590 | 580 |
| Great Falls, MT | $30,490 | 250 |
Highest-paying states for food preparation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $40,910 |
| District of Columbia | $39,600 |
| California | $39,350 |
| Colorado | $38,960 |
| Massachusetts | $38,900 |
| Hawaii | $38,160 |
| Oregon | $37,450 |
| North Dakota | $36,800 |
| New Hampshire | $36,780 |
| Arizona | $36,750 |
See Food Preparation Worker pay in every state or the Montana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Helena, MT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $38,030 | $18.28 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,330 | $13.62 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $23,020 | $11.07 |
| Bartender | $26,210 | $12.60 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $45,090 | $21.68 |
| Dishwasher | $29,750 | $14.30 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $23,150 | $11.13 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $57,510 | $27.65 |
More: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations · all salaries in Helena, MT
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 35-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food preparation worker make in Helena, MT?
The median salary for food preparation workers in the Helena, MT metro area is $34,960 a year, or $16.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid food preparation workers make in Helena, MT?
The top 10% of food preparation workers in the Helena, MT metro area earn at least $41,290 a year. The top 25% earn $36,020 or more.
What is the starting pay for food preparation workers in Helena, MT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,020 a year, and a quarter of food preparation workers earn $28,810 or less.
How many food preparation workers work in Helena, MT?
About 210 food preparation workers are employed in the Helena, MT metro area, not counting the self-employed.