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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Kansas

Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $60,920, which is below the national average of $64,680. This difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific economic landscape and demand within the state's culinary sector. While the nominal salary may appear lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $60,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,960.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market in Kansas, with a total workforce of 980 Chefs and Head Cooks, indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.58 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a potentially less saturated market for skilled individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$60,920

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas earns-5.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.3

Weekly

$1,172

Monthly

$5,077

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Kansas

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can expect to earn considerably more. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial career growth opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,590$17.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$45,690$22
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$58,290$28
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$76,150$36.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$87,960$42.3

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$60,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,464

Adjusted for COL (87.7)

The average annual salary of $60,920 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas is significantly bolstered by the state's Cost of Living Index of 87.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of $60,920 in Kansas is greater than the same amount would be in a higher cost-of-living area, making the nominal salary more substantial in real terms.

Job Market Context

980

Total Jobs

0.687

Per 1K Jobs

0.58

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kansas has 0.58x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these professionals, the job market is not oversaturated. This could present opportunities for skilled chefs to find employment, but also indicates that the demand might not be as robust as in regions with a higher concentration of culinary roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Manhattan, KS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$52,420↓ 14%46 mi
Topeka, KS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$63,320↑ 4%66 mi
Wichita, KS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,830↓ 5%67 mi
Lawrence, KS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$49,470↓ 19%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Kansas

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Kansas?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas is $60,920. This typically ranges from $35,590 for entry-level positions to $87,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas is 5.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Kansas a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $60,920 is below the national average, although the lower cost of living does increase purchasing power.

Is Kansas a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 87.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Manhattan, KS ($52,420) and Topeka, KS.

How does the cost of living in Kansas affect Chef salaries?

Kansas has a cost of living index of 87.7, which is below the national average. This means that the $60,920 average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks provides greater purchasing power than the same amount would in a more expensive state.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas?

The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas is 0.58, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in Kansas compared to the national average.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Kansas?

There are approximately 980 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Kansas, representing 0.687 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.

Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks growing in Kansas?

While specific growth data isn't provided, the stable workforce size and below-average concentration suggest a consistent demand for culinary professionals in Kansas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Kansas area with a job density of 0.687 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas