Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kentucky | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,770 | $40,550 | -1.9% vs US |
| State Rank | #19 of 40 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 340 jobs | 27,660 jobs | 1.2% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,140 | $16.89 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,930 | $18.23 |
| Median | $39,770 | $19.12 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| 90th Percentile | $51,330 | $24.68 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky in 2026?
With a median salary of $39,770 in Kentucky and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +20.0%, food cooking machine operators and tenders are still in strong and growing demand.
How can food cooking machine operators and tenders increase their salary in Kentucky?
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Kentucky currently ranks #19 out of 40 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Grain and Oilseed Milling | $53,480 |
| Dairy Product Manufacturing | $48,100 |
| Other Food Manufacturing | $44,960 |
How are Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders paid in Kentucky compared to the national average?
The median salary for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky is $39,770, which is roughly in line with the national median of $40,550.