Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kansas
In Kansas, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $31,380. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's food service sector. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the interplay between labor supply, consumer demand, and the overall economic environment in Kansas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,130.
- Outlook: Kansas boasts a substantial workforce of 123,480 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these roles in Kansas is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established presence of this industry. The metric of 86.278 jobs per 1,000 workers further indicates a consistent demand for these services across the state, painting a picture of a robust, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas earns-12.7%below the national average.
$15.1
$603
$2,615
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas have experienced a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth. This gradual increase is typically driven by factors such as inflation, rising operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for food services, leading to incremental adjustments in compensation to attract and retain talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Kansas
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Kansas, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The widening percentile gaps in salary data from entry-level to senior roles clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,940 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,535 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,680 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,225 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,130 | $22.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,781
Adjusted for COL (87.7)
The average annual salary of $31,380 in Kansas for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations should be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index, which stands at 87.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of the nominal salary may be somewhat higher locally than the raw number indicates. Therefore, while the salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of essential goods and services can help offset this difference for residents.
Job Market Context
123,480
Total Jobs
86.278
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Kansas has 0.98x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas is closely aligned with the national distribution. This indicates that the industry is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented in Kansas compared to the rest of the United States. Consequently, job seekers can expect a market that is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, suggesting a balanced level of competition and availability for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,340↓ 3% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,560↑ 1% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,150↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,850↑ 1% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Kansas?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas is $31,380. This typically ranges from $19,940 for entry-level positions to $46,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas is 12.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Kansas a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, Kansas is not a particularly lucrative state for these occupations compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,380 is below the national average of $35,960. However, the lower cost of living index of 87.7 offers some compensation for the reduced nominal earnings.
Is Kansas a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($30,340) and Topeka, KS.
How does Kansas's cost of living compare to the national average?
Kansas has a Cost of Living Index of 87.7, which is below the national average of 100, indicating that goods and services are generally more affordable in the state.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Kansas?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.98, which is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and typical presence of these jobs in Kansas.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas?
There are approximately 123,480 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas.
Are there many jobs per capita for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kansas?
Yes, there are 86.278 jobs per 1,000 workers in this sector, indicating a solid presence of employment opportunities relative to the workforce size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 123,480 employees in the Kansas area with a job density of 86.278 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas