Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Topeka, KS
Cooks in Topeka, KS earn an average annual salary of $32,380, which is below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors and the overall demand for culinary professionals within the Topeka metropolitan area. While the national trend may show higher compensation, regional economic conditions play a significant role in setting local wage benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,920.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 820 Cooks, Topeka presents a moderately sized job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Topeka, KS earns-14.1%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,698
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka's Cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to gradual wage increases, even in localized markets.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Salary progression for Cooks in Topeka, KS, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,240 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,285 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,960 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,475 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,920 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,380 in Topeka aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
7.305
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 0.78x 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 0.78 indicates that the concentration of Cooks in Topeka is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,690↑ 1% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,450↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,590↑ 16% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,250↓ 7% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,490↑ 3% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Topeka, KS is $32,380. This typically ranges from $23,240 for entry-level positions to $37,920 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 $37,700.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Topeka, KS is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,380 is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($32,690) and Manhattan, KS.
How does the Topeka Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Topeka, KS is $32,380, which is approximately 14% lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks in Topeka, KS?
The concentration of Cooks in Topeka, KS, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.78, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Topeka affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Topeka's cost of living is average. This means the lower nominal salary of $32,380 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower wage.
What does the job market size for Cooks in Topeka indicate?
The local workforce of 820 Cooks suggests a stable job market. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 7.305, indicating a consistent presence of this role within the Topeka economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 7.305 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 Topeka, KS