Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Wichita, KS
In Wichita, KS, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $26,750. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating that local market conditions and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for this role in the area. The specific economic landscape of Wichita shapes the earning potential for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,380.
- Outlook: Wichita, KS supports a local workforce of 550 Cooks, Fast Food. While the total number of workers is moderate, the Location Quotient of 0.41 suggests this profession is less concentrated in Wichita compared to the national average. This implies that while there is a stable presence of these jobs, the market may not be exceptionally robust or in high demand relative to other occupations within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Wichita, KS earns-14.1%below the national average.
$12.9
$514
$2,229
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in this sector, like many others, have experienced incremental growth. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market demands typically contribute to a gradual upward trend in compensation for Cooks, Fast Food across most U.S. cities.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Wichita, KS, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, if available, would clearly signify these career progression opportunities and the associated earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,430 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,063 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,590 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,438 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,380 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Wichita, KS, stands at $26,750. This salary aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Wichita is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
1.796
Per 1K Jobs
0.41
Location Quotient
At 0.41x, Wichita, KS has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.41, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Wichita, KS, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the job market for this specific role is not as saturated in Wichita compared to the rest of the country. While this might imply less intense competition for individual roles, it also indicates that the occupation is not a dominant industry segment within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,930↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,080↓ 6% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Wichita, KS is $26,750. This typically ranges from $22,430 for entry-level positions to $34,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 14.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Wichita, KS is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food based on the provided data.The average salary of $26,750 is notably lower than the national average of $31,130, and the role's concentration (Location Quotient) is below the national benchmark.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($26,930) and Enid, OK.
How does Wichita's cost of living affect fast food cook salaries?
Wichita's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $26,750 salary has average purchasing power locally, offsetting the lower nominal wage compared to the national average.
What is the job market like for fast food cooks in Wichita?
The market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.41. This suggests fewer fast food cook jobs relative to the overall workforce compared to the national trend.
How many fast food cooks are there in Wichita?
Wichita, KS has a local workforce of approximately 550 Cooks, Fast Food, representing 1.796 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.
Can experience increase a fast food cook's salary in Wichita?
Yes, like most roles, experience and skill level are key drivers for salary increases. Senior cooks or those in supervisory roles typically earn more than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 1.796 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Wichita, KS
- All Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Production Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Management Occupations Salary in Wichita, KS
- Browse All Jobs in Wichita, KS →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS