Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Wichita, KS
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Wichita, KS earn an average annual salary of $31,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Wichita influence compensation for these roles. The specific demand and supply within the Wichita metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,790.
- Outlook: Wichita, KS hosts a substantial workforce of 1,270 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 42% higher than the national average, signaling a robust local demand for this profession. With 4.127 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market appears to have a healthy presence and ongoing need for these culinary roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita, KS earns-17.3%below the national average.
$15.2
$606
$2,628
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita's institutional cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, even in localized markets.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,010 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,648 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,740 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,413 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,790 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita, KS is $31,530. When compared to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers purchasing power that aligns with the national median. Therefore, while the nominal wage is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Wichita does not exacerbate the difference in real terms.
Job Market Context
1,270
Total Jobs
4.127
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.42, Wichita, KS demonstrates a higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks compared to the national average. This suggests a more specialized and potentially competitive market for these roles within the city. Employers may find a larger pool of qualified candidates, but the demand also indicates a significant presence of institutions and cafeterias relying on this workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,050↓ 5% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,470↓ 13% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita, KS is $31,530. This typically ranges from $25,010 for entry-level positions to $37,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 17.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $31,530 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. The higher concentration of these jobs suggests local demand but does not translate to higher pay.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($30,050) and Enid, OK.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the market?
The 4.127 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a solid presence of institutional and cafeteria cook positions relative to the overall workforce in Wichita, suggesting consistent employment opportunities within this sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.42 mean for cooks in Wichita?
A Location Quotient of 1.42 means that Wichita has 42% more institutional and cafeteria cook jobs per capita than the national average, indicating a higher concentration and potentially greater demand for these roles locally.
How does experience impact a cook's salary in Wichita?
Experience is a key factor in salary growth for cooks. Entry-level positions will earn less, while experienced cooks with supervisory duties or specialized culinary skills can expect to earn more, reflecting a typical career progression.
Is the cost of living a factor in Wichita's cook salaries?
The cost of living in Wichita is at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary of $31,530 has average purchasing power, but it doesn't offset the fact that it's below the national average wage for the role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,270 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 4.127 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 Wichita, KS