Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$29,700$14.28 per hour · $2,475 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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 (IN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $11.15/hr | $1,933 | $23,200 | $20,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.27/hr | $2,300 | $27,600 | $23,554 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $14.28/hr | $2,475 | $29,700 | $25,197 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.31/hr | $3,000 | $36,000 | $30,074 |
| 90th Percentile | $18.80/hr | $3,258 | $39,100 | $32,473 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$29,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Indiana:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $29,700, which equates to approximately $2,475 per month or $14.28 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $14.28 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $11.15/hour and one in ten earned more than $18.80/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN span from $23,200 at the 10th percentile to $27,600 at the 25th, $36,000 at the 75th, and $39,100 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
On a median gross salary of $29,700, an estimated $25,197 lands in net take-home pay per year ($969 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Indiana in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,503 (an effective rate of 15.2%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
On the median annual salary of $29,700, gross monthly income is $2,475. After federal, FICA, and Indiana state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,100 per month (or $969 every two weeks).
Is $29,700 a good salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
At $29,700, the median salary for food preparation workers is 47.9% of the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN median household income ($62,011). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 93.4, making regional consumer goods and services 6.6% cheaper than the U.S. average.