Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Cooks in the fast-food sector within Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $30,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and specific employer compensation strategies play a significant role in determining pay rates for this occupation in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,260.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area exhibits a robust job market for Fast Food Cooks, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 12,420 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.62 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong and consistent demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-1.5%below the national average.
$14.7
$589
$2,554
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage adjustments in the service industry. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Kansas City, MO-KS typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,940 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,988 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,920 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,313 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,260 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,650 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
12,420
Total Jobs
11.357
Per 1K Jobs
2.62
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS has 2.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.62, Kansas City, MO-KS demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks than the national average. This suggests a highly competitive job market with abundant opportunities, but also potentially more candidates vying for each position, influencing wage levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,740↑ 0% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,340↓ 4% | 47 mi |
| Topeka, KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,510↓ 4% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Kansas City, MO-KS is $30,650. This typically ranges from $27,940 for entry-level positions to $35,260 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 1.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Fast Food Cooks is slightly below the national benchmark. The high concentration of roles indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 ($30,740) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.
What is the average hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Based on the average annual salary of $30,650 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Kansas City, MO-KS is around $14.74.
How does the number of Fast Food Cooks in Kansas City compare to the national average?
Kansas City, MO-KS has 11.357 Fast Food Cooks per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence in this profession.
Are there many job openings for Fast Food Cooks in Kansas City?
The high Location Quotient of 2.62 suggests a strong demand and a greater abundance of jobs for Fast Food Cooks in Kansas City compared to the national average.
Does experience significantly impact a Fast Food Cook's salary in Kansas City?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Entry-level positions typically offer lower wages, while cooks with several years of experience and advanced skills can earn considerably more.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,420 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 11.357 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS