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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS

Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $64,170, which is slightly below the national average of $64,680. This marginal difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand within the region's culinary sector and the overall cost structure of businesses operating in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $64,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,960.
  • Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS market for Chefs and Head Cooks shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 850 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 0.776 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports this, pointing to consistent opportunities for skilled culinary professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$64,170

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-0.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.9

Weekly

$1,234

Monthly

$5,348

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary backgrounds and management expertise can expect to earn at the higher percentiles. The widening gap between these percentiles reflects the substantial career advancement and increased earning potential available through dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$38,340$18.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$48,128$23.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$61,220$29.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$80,213$38.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$90,960$43.7

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$64,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$64,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $64,170 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's salary in Kansas City is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the immediate pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

850

Total Jobs

0.776

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kansas City, MO-KS has 0.66x 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 0.66, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the supply of specialized culinary talent may be more readily available relative to other regions, potentially leading to a more competitive hiring landscape for employers and a good opportunity for job seekers to find roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Lawrence, KS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$49,470 23%38 mi
Topeka, KS Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$63,320 1%60 mi

Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Kansas City, MO-KS?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS is $64,170. This typically ranges from $38,340 for entry-level positions to $90,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 0.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Moderately lucrative.The average salary is nearly on par with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating stable earning potential without extreme cost pressures.

Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($49,470) and Topeka, KS.

How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS is $64,170, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.

What is the Cost of Living in Kansas City, MO-KS?

The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS?

The Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests that the profession is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Kansas City, MO-KS?

There are approximately 850 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 0.776 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.