Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$39,800$19.13 per hour · $3,317 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (MA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $16.88/hr | $2,925 | $35,100 | $28,948 |
| 25th Percentile | $17.74/hr | $3,075 | $36,900 | $30,304 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $19.13/hr | $3,317 | $39,800 | $32,489 |
| 75th Percentile | $21.92/hr | $3,800 | $45,600 | $36,860 |
| 90th Percentile | $23.85/hr | $4,133 | $49,600 | $39,874 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$39,800 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Massachusetts:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $39,800, which equates to approximately $3,317 per month or $19.13 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $19.13 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $16.88/hour and one in ten earned more than $23.85/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH span from $35,100 at the 10th percentile to $36,900 at the 25th, $45,600 at the 75th, and $49,600 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
On a median gross salary of $39,800, an estimated $32,489 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,250 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Massachusetts in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $7,311 (an effective rate of 18.4%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
On the median annual salary of $39,800, gross monthly income is $3,317. After federal, FICA, and Massachusetts state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,707 per month (or $1,250 every two weeks).
Is $39,800 a good salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
At $39,800, the median salary for food preparation workers is 34.4% of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH median household income ($115,863). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 108.3, making regional consumer goods and services 8.3% more expensive than the U.S. average.