Food Preparation Worker salary in Pocatello, ID
Food Preparation Workers in the Pocatello, ID metro area earn a median of $29,290 a year ($14.08 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,260 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $35,320. Pay here is 7% lower than the Idaho statewide median of $31,510. There are 5.5 food preparation workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $30,890, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for food preparation workers in Pocatello, ID
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,150 | $10.65 |
| 25th percentile | $26,630 | $12.80 |
| Median | $29,290 | $14.08 |
| 75th percentile | $34,720 | $16.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| Average (mean) | $30,890 | $14.85 |
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 | $2,440.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,220.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,126.54 |
| Weekly | $563.27 |
| Hourly | $14.08 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $36,830 | 480 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $35,780 | 170 |
| Boise City, ID | $35,340 | 1,830 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $30,490 | 400 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $30,400 | 450 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $29,960 | 290 |
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 Idaho statewide figures.
Related jobs in Pocatello, ID
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $34,920 | $16.79 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $33,720 | $16.21 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $30,200 | $14.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $36,870 | $17.73 |
| Bartender | $21,800 | $10.48 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $24,230 | $11.65 |
| Dishwasher | $28,750 | $13.82 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,330 | $13.14 |
More: Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations · all salaries in Pocatello, ID
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 Pocatello, ID?
The median salary for food preparation workers in the Pocatello, ID metro area is $29,290 a year, or $14.08 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid food preparation workers make in Pocatello, ID?
The top 10% of food preparation workers in the Pocatello, ID metro area earn at least $36,260 a year. The top 25% earn $34,720 or more.
What is the starting pay for food preparation workers in Pocatello, ID?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,150 a year, and a quarter of food preparation workers earn $26,630 or less.
How many food preparation workers work in Pocatello, ID?
About 210 food preparation workers are employed in the Pocatello, ID metro area, not counting the self-employed.