Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Topeka, KS
Cooks in institution and cafeteria settings in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $32,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating localized economic factors and potentially a different demand dynamic at play within the Topeka market. The specific needs and economic conditions of Topeka shape the compensation offered to these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,610.
- Outlook: The Topeka market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 530 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.63 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs in Topeka compared to the national average, implying a sustained demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Topeka, KS earns-14.1%below the national average.
$15.8
$630
$2,730
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, reflects an ongoing adjustment to the cost of living and a persistent need for skilled kitchen staff in Topeka.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this progression, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,600 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,570 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,830 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,950 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,610 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,760 in Topeka for this role aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
4.741
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 1.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.63, Topeka exhibits a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions that is 63% higher than the national average. This indicates a relatively strong local demand for these roles, suggesting that the job market may be more favorable for job seekers in this specific occupation compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,010↑ 7% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,160↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,020↑ 7% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,050↓ 8% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,540↓ 1% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Topeka, KS is $32,760. This typically ranges from $24,600 for entry-level positions to $42,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 14.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $32,760 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($35,010) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's job market compare nationally for this role?
Topeka has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.63, suggesting a stronger local demand relative to its workforce size.
What is the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Topeka?
The purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, as Topeka's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national benchmark.
Are there many Cook, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Topeka?
With 4.741 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient above 1, Topeka shows a notable presence and demand for these roles within its local economy.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Topeka?
Experience is a key factor in salary progression, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting a typical career ladder.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 4.741 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Topeka, KS