Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wichita, KS
Cooks in Wichita, Kansas, earn an average annual salary of $32,520, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to a combination of local economic factors, including the cost of labor and the overall demand within the regional culinary market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,990.
- Outlook: Wichita boasts a substantial local workforce of 2,970 Cooks, Restaurant, with a location quotient of 1.03, indicating a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average. The presence of 9.677 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals within the city's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita, KS earns-13.7%below the national average.
$15.6
$625
$2,710
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive modest salary increases for roles like Cooks, Restaurant, reflecting both inflation and increased demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita, KS, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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 pay reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and leadership within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,990 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,390 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,350 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,650 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,990 | $19.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,520 in Wichita aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective value of the salary comparable.
Job Market Context
2,970
Total Jobs
9.677
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.03, Wichita's market for Cooks, Restaurant is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable, offering moderate competition for available positions and a steady employment outlook for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,250↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,580↓ 6% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita, KS is $32,520. This typically ranges from $21,990 for entry-level positions to $39,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 13.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita is below the national benchmark. This indicates that the earning potential in this specific role is less competitive than in other parts of the country.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($30,250) and Enid, OK.
How does Wichita's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita, KS is $32,520, which is approximately $5,180 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita?
Wichita has a location quotient of 1.03 for Cooks, Restaurant, meaning the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a stable presence in the local job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Wichita?
Wichita's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower-than-average salary of $32,520 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offsetting the nominal difference.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Wichita?
There are approximately 2,970 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Wichita, KS, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in the food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,970 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 9.677 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 Wichita, KS