Food Preparation Worker salary in Pittsfield, MA
Food Preparation Workers in the Pittsfield, MA metro area earn a median of $36,930 a year ($17.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 310 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,260 for the top 10%. That is 5% higher than the national median of $35,320. Pay here is 5% lower than the Massachusetts statewide median of $38,900. There are 5.5 food preparation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $39,410, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Pittsfield, MA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| 25th percentile | $34,260 | $16.47 |
| Median | $36,930 | $17.76 |
| 75th percentile | $45,460 | $21.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,260 | $23.20 |
| Average (mean) | $39,410 | $18.95 |
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 | $3,077.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,538.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,420.38 |
| Weekly | $710.19 |
| Hourly | $17.76 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $40,140 | 510 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $39,660 | 9,630 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $38,660 | 670 |
| Worcester, MA | $36,550 | 1,390 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $36,250 | 3,870 |
| Springfield, MA | $36,020 | 810 |
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 Massachusetts statewide figures.
Related jobs in Pittsfield, MA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $43,970 | $21.14 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $47,740 | $22.95 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $37,720 | $18.13 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $34,680 | $16.67 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $35,950 | $17.28 |
| Bartender | $35,390 | $17.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $47,710 | $22.94 |
| Dishwasher | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $31,210 | $15.01 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $61,580 | $29.61 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $35,020 | $16.84 |
More: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations · all salaries in Pittsfield, MA
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 Pittsfield, MA?
The median salary for food preparation workers in the Pittsfield, MA metro area is $36,930 a year, or $17.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid food preparation workers make in Pittsfield, MA?
The top 10% of food preparation workers in the Pittsfield, MA metro area earn at least $48,260 a year. The top 25% earn $45,460 or more.
What is the starting pay for food preparation workers in Pittsfield, MA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,410 a year, and a quarter of food preparation workers earn $34,260 or less.
How many food preparation workers work in Pittsfield, MA?
About 310 food preparation workers are employed in the Pittsfield, MA metro area, not counting the self-employed.