Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$31,100$14.95 per hour · $2,592 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Lancaster, PA
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 (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $10.82/hr | $1,875 | $22,500 | $19,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.46/hr | $2,333 | $28,000 | $23,808 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $14.95/hr | $2,592 | $31,100 | $26,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.45/hr | $3,025 | $36,300 | $30,233 |
| 90th Percentile | $19.18/hr | $3,325 | $39,900 | $33,015 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Lancaster, PA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$31,100 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Pennsylvania:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Lancaster, PA
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Lancaster, PA?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Lancaster, PA is $31,100, which equates to approximately $2,592 per month or $14.95 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Lancaster, PA?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Lancaster, PA is $14.95 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $10.82/hour and one in ten earned more than $19.18/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Lancaster, PA?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Lancaster, PA span from $22,500 at the 10th percentile to $28,000 at the 25th, $36,300 at the 75th, and $39,900 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Lancaster, PA?
On a median gross salary of $31,100, an estimated $26,214 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,008 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Pennsylvania in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,886 (an effective rate of 15.7%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Lancaster, PA?
On the median annual salary of $31,100, gross monthly income is $2,592. After federal, FICA, and Pennsylvania state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,185 per month (or $1,008 every two weeks).
Is $31,100 a good salary in Lancaster, PA?
At $31,100, the median salary for food preparation workers is 35.8% of the Lancaster, PA median household income ($86,959). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 98.3, making regional consumer goods and services 1.7% cheaper than the U.S. average.