Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Lawrence, KS
The average salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Lawrence, KS is $30,740. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,540.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Fast Foods is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lawrence, KS economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Lawrence, KS earns-1.3%below the national average.
$14.8
$591
$2,562
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Fast Food salaries in Lawrence, KS have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 37.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS
The earning potential for Cooks, Fast Foods in Lawrence, KS varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $23,230, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $38,540.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,230 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,055 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,840 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,425 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,540 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lawrence, KS, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $30,740 to $30,740.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
2.903
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Lawrence, KS has 0.67x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
150 people work as Cooks, Fast Food in Lawrence, KS.
Moderate density — roughly 2.903 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,510↓ 4% | 24 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $30,650↓ 0% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,340↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,930↓ 12% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Lawrence, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Lawrence, KS is $30,740. This typically ranges from $23,230 for entry-level positions to $38,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 1.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Fast Food salary in Lawrence, KS is $30,740 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lawrence, KS. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawrence, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawrence, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($29,510) and Kansas City, MO-KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 2.903 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 Lawrence, KS