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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lawrence, KS

Cooks in Lawrence, Kansas, earn an average annual salary of $32,690. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for this role in the area. While the national average sets a benchmark, localized economic factors in Lawrence shape the earning potential for restaurant cooks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,690 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,860.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Lawrence, KS, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.32 indicating a presence slightly above the national average. With a total local workforce of 640 and 12.446 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for culinary professionals within the community's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,690

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lawrence, KS earns-13.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.7

Weekly

$629

Monthly

$2,724

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS

Salary progression for Cooks in Lawrence, KS, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the career progression opportunities available, rewarding increased responsibility and proficiency in the kitchen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,500$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,518$11.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,390$16.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,863$19.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$40,860$19.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,690

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,690

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal salary of $32,690 in Lawrence, KS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Lawrence is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

640

Total Jobs

12.446

Per 1K Jobs

1.32

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.32, Lawrence, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies that Lawrence, KS, has a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a potentially more robust or specialized market for these roles compared to other areas, implying that employers may actively seek out culinary talent, though the overall workforce size indicates a moderately sized local job pool.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Topeka, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,380↓ 1%24 mi
Kansas City, MO-KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,590↑ 15%38 mi
St. Joseph, MO-KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,490↑ 2%60 mi
Manhattan, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,450↓ 4%74 mi
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,250↓ 7%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lawrence, KS?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lawrence, KS is $32,690. This typically ranges from $22,500 for entry-level positions to $40,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 13.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Lawrence, KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, Lawrence, KS is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,690 is below the national average of $37,700, although the Cost of Living Index is at the national average of 100.

Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Lawrence, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lawrence, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($32,380) and Kansas City, MO-KS.

How does the salary for Cooks in Lawrence, KS compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Lawrence, KS is $32,690, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS?

Lawrence, KS has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Cooks in Lawrence, KS?

With a Location Quotient of 1.32, there is a slightly higher concentration of Cooks jobs in Lawrence, KS compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand.

How many Cooks are employed in Lawrence, KS?

There are approximately 640 Cooks employed in Lawrence, KS, representing 12.446 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 12.446 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lawrence, KS