Is Tennessee a high-paying state for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

Tennessee pays −12.5% below the national average for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (GUPPI −12.5%). No — employers in Tennessee pay below the national average in this sector.

How does Tennessee rank for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations pay?

Tennessee ranks #40 of 51 states for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations based on the Gera Sector GUPPI (−12.5%). The top-ranked state is Washington (GUPPI +33.1%, median $44,590).

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tennessee — GUPPI −12.5%

What is the wage premium for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tennessee?

Tennessee pays $29,310/year for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (BLS OEWS May 2025) — −12.5% below the national employment-weighted average of $33,497. Gera Sector GUPPI: −12.5%. Updated annually from BLS OEWS.

Source:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — Major Group Rollups·As of May 2025 state estimates (major-group rollup) · updated annually (BLS OEWS) · last refreshed 20 June 2026

Gera US Sector Pay Premium Index

Tennessee ranks #40 of 51 states for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations pay. National employment-weighted average: $33,497.

How this is calculated

−12.5%

State median

$29,310

BLS OEWS May 2025

National avg

$33,497

Emp-weighted mean

State rank

#40

of 51 states

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Sector GUPPI for Tennessee: −12.5%State median: $29,310 · National avg: $33,497

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Frequently asked questions

How much does Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations pay in Tennessee?: The BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tennessee is $29,310. This is the midpoint across all occupations in the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector (SOC 350000).
Is Tennessee a high-paying state for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?: Tennessee pays −12.5% below the national average for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (GUPPI −12.5%). No — employers in Tennessee pay below the national average in this sector.
How does Tennessee rank for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations pay?: Tennessee ranks #40 of 51 states for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations based on the Gera Sector GUPPI (−12.5%). The top-ranked state is Washington (GUPPI +33.1%, median $44,590).

Top states for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations pay

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Data source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — Major Group Rollups · May 2025 state estimates (major-group rollup) · Public domain (U.S. federal government work)

GUPPI computed by GeraJobs. Last updated: 2026-06-20. Full methodology · ← All sectors