How Much Do Food Preparation Workers Make in Tennessee?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Food Preparation Workers in Tennessee earns $28,700 per year and takes home $25,240 ($2,103/month) — a keep-rate of 87.9%, with 19,780 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $2,391.67 |
| Federal income tax | $105.33 |
| Social Security | $148.28 |
| Medicare | $34.68 |
| Tennessee state income tax | $0.00 |
| You keep | $2,103.37 |
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Tennessee?
The median Food Preparation Workers in Tennessee earns $28,700 per year (BLS May 2025), about $13.80 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$28,700 gross in Tennessee keeps $25,240 after federal income tax ($1,264), FICA ($2,196) and state income tax ($0) — $2,103 per month, a 87.9% keep-rate.
How does Tennessee compare to the national median for Food Preparation Workers?
The Tennessee median is $6,620 below the national median of $35,320.
Which state pays Food Preparation Workers the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Food Preparation Workers at $40,910 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Food Preparation Workers salary in every state · Tennessee paycheck calculator · Tennessee minimum wage