SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Kansas

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $31,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors, including the cost of living and regional demand, contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,370.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,470 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.79, Kansas demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and established job market for this profession within the state, suggesting consistent demand and employment opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,930

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kansas earns-16.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.4

Weekly

$614

Monthly

$2,661

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Kansas

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kansas typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,000$11.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,948$11.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,920$14.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,913$19.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$40,370$19.4

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,408

Adjusted for COL (87.7)

The nominal average annual salary of $31,930 in Kansas for this role should be viewed in conjunction with the state's Cost of Living Index of 87.7. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of the salary may be somewhat higher than a direct comparison suggests, offering a reasonable standard of living despite the lower nominal wage.

Job Market Context

7,470

Total Jobs

5.217

Per 1K Jobs

1.79

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Kansas has 1.8x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.79 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kansas signifies a market that is 79% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles within the state compared to other regions, suggesting a competitive but accessible job market for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Manhattan, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$32,160↑ 1%46 mi
Topeka, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$32,760↑ 3%66 mi
Wichita, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$31,530↓ 1%67 mi
Lawrence, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$35,010↑ 10%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Kansas

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Kansas?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kansas is $31,930. This typically ranges from $24,000 for entry-level positions to $40,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas is 16.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Kansas a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not compared to the national average.While Kansas has a strong concentration of these roles, the average salary of $31,930 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the lower cost of living may partially offset this difference.

Is Kansas a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

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 ($32,160) and Topeka, KS.

How does the Kansas salary for Cooks compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kansas is $31,930, which is $6,200 less than the national average of $38,130.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Kansas?

Kansas has a Location Quotient of 1.79 for this role, meaning the profession is 79% more concentrated in Kansas than the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs.

How does the cost of living in Kansas affect the Cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 87.7, Kansas is more affordable than the national average. This means the $31,930 salary may offer a comparable or slightly better purchasing power than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Kansas?

There are approximately 7,470 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed within the state of Kansas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,470 employees in the Kansas area with a job density of 5.217 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas