Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kentucky | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $27,840 | $34,130 | -18.4% vs US |
| State Rank | #46 of 54 states | ||
| Employment | 173,200 jobs | 13,613,490 jobs | 1.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $18,120 | $8.71 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,410 | $10.77 |
| Median | $27,840 | $13.38 |
| 75th Percentile | $34,070 | $16.38 |
| 90th Percentile | $41,340 | $19.88 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky in 2026?
With a median salary of $27,840 in Kentucky and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +52.1%, food preparation and serving related occupations are still in strong and growing demand.
How can food preparation and serving related occupations increase their salary in Kentucky?
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 #46 out of 54 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 Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Household Appliance Manufacturing | $77,690 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $67,600 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $67,600 |
How are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations paid in Kentucky compared to the national average?
The median salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky is $27,840, which is 18.4% below the national median of $34,130.