Skip to content
AffordMap
Production & Manufacturing · Kentucky

How to Become a Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in Kentucky earn a median salary of $39,770/year, which is 2% below the national average. Kentucky has a state income tax of ~4.0%. After taxes and rent, a food cooking machine operators and tenders takes home approximately $1,288/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$40K
Median salary in Kentucky
-2%
vs. national average
4.0%
State income tax
340
Employed in Kentucky

What a food cooking machine operators and tenders can afford in Kentucky

Gross annual salary$39,770
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.0% state tax)$2,700/mo
Median 2BR rent (Kentucky)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home52.3% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$39,770/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,288/mo

Becoming a food cooking machine operators and tenders in Kentucky

1

Meet education requirements

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders positions in Kentucky typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Kentucky. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many food cooking machine operators and tenders positions in Kentucky require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Kentucky licensure or certification

Kentucky may require specific licensing or professional certification for food cooking machine operators and tenderss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Kentucky Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Kentucky

Kentucky employs 340 food cooking machine operators and tenders. The highest concentrations are in Louisville/Jefferson County.

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders salary by metro area in Kentucky

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Louisville/Jefferson County$40K$18.99/hr130

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders salary range in Kentucky

10th percentile (entry)
$35K
25th percentile
$38K
Median (50th)
$40K
75th percentile
$47K
90th percentile (senior)
$51K
View jobs for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
Currently hiring in Kentucky
View →
More openings for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
Currently hiring in Kentucky
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full food cooking machine operators and tenders salary breakdown in Kentucky
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Kentucky
After federal + 4.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Kentucky cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a food cooking machine operators and tenders make in Kentucky?

The median food cooking machine operators and tenders salary in Kentucky is $39,770 per year ($19.12/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $40,550. Salaries range from $35,140 to $51,330.

What are the requirements to become a food cooking machine operators and tenders in Kentucky?

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders positions in Kentucky typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Kentucky may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Kentucky licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a food cooking machine operators and tenders afford to live in Kentucky?

At the median salary of $39,770, a food cooking machine operators and tenders in Kentucky would take home approximately $2,700/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 52.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for food cooking machine operators and tenders in Kentucky?

The highest paying metro areas for food cooking machine operators and tenders in Kentucky are Louisville/Jefferson County ($39,510). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Kentucky have state income tax for food cooking machine operators and tenders?

Yes, Kentucky has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.0%. On a $39,770 salary, this means roughly $1,591/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.