Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kansas
Cooks in the restaurant industry in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $33,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state influence compensation levels for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,790 individuals in this profession, Kansas demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas earns-10.5%below the national average.
$16.2
$649
$2,811
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This upward trajectory is likely influenced by the rising costs of living and the persistent need for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kansas
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,980 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,298 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,200 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,163 | $20.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,270 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,461
Adjusted for COL (87.7)
The average annual salary of $33,730 in Kansas is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 87.7. This means that the nominal income earned by restaurant cooks in Kansas generally offers a higher purchasing power compared to areas with a national average cost of living, making the effective value of their salary more substantial.
Job Market Context
11,790
Total Jobs
8.239
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Kansas has 0.87x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.87 for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where the supply of cooks is in reasonable balance with the demand from dining establishments across the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,450↓ 7% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,380↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,520↓ 4% | 67 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,690↓ 3% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kansas?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas is $33,730. This typically ranges from $22,980 for entry-level positions to $43,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas is 10.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Kansas a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,730 is below the national average of $37,700. However, the lower cost of living index of 87.7 does increase the purchasing power of this salary within the state.
Is Kansas a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($31,450) and Topeka, KS.
How many Cooks, Restaurant are there in Kansas?
Kansas employs approximately 11,790 individuals in the role of Cooks, Restaurant.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Kansas compared to the national average?
The location quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas is 0.87, which is slightly below the national average of 1.0, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
How does the cost of living in Kansas affect the salary of a Cook, Restaurant?
With a Cost of Living Index of 87.7, Kansas is more affordable than the national average. This means the average salary of $33,730 can provide a better standard of living than the same amount might in a higher cost-of-living area.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' mean for this role in Kansas?
The figure of 8.239 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies that for every thousand individuals employed in Kansas, approximately 8.24 are working as Cooks, Restaurant, providing context on the prevalence of this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,790 employees in the Kansas area with a job density of 8.239 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas