Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in Kansas' nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $30,250, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the cost of doing business, and the overall demand for culinary services in less densely populated areas. The specific economic landscape of these regions plays a significant role in shaping compensation for restaurant staff.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,990.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,620 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.74, the job market in Kansas' nonmetropolitan areas indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a booming market in terms of relative density, the existing workforce suggests a stable, albeit less concentrated, demand for culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-19.8%below the national average.
$14.5
$582
$2,521
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a sustained demand for food services likely contribute to modest upward adjustments in compensation, though perhaps at a slower pace than in major metropolitan hubs.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks and kitchen managers occupying the higher salary brackets due to their expertise and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,910 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,688 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,430 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,813 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,990 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,250 in Kansas' nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,620
Total Jobs
7.003
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.74x 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 0.74 for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas' nonmetropolitan areas suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the jobs exist, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities without intense competition for entry-level positions. However, it also means the overall demand, relative to other industries, is somewhat lower.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,450↑ 4% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,380↑ 7% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,520↑ 8% | 67 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,690↑ 8% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $30,250. This typically ranges from $20,910 for entry-level positions to $36,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 19.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $30,250 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation does not reflect a high-earning environment for this profession.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manhattan, KS ($31,450) and Topeka, KS.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.003 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Kansas nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower density of restaurant cook positions compared to the national average, indicating a less concentrated job market for this role.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in this region?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in Kansas' nonmetropolitan areas comprises 2,620 individuals, reflecting the size of the employment base for this occupation in the region.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in this area?
Yes, experience is a major factor in salary determination. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command higher wages within the $30,250 average.
How does the cost of living in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average nationally. This means the $30,250 salary, while below the national average, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating some of the impact of the lower nominal wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,620 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.003 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 nonmetropolitan area