Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lawrence, KS
In Lawrence, KS, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Lawrence influence compensation levels for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Lawrence, KS, plays a crucial role in shaping the earning potential for this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,890.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Lawrence, KS, demonstrates a significant local presence, with a total workforce of 7,470 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.65 indicates that this field is 65% more concentrated in Lawrence than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these services within the local economy. This concentration points to a healthy job market for food preparation and serving roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS earns-11.4%below the national average.
$15.3
$613
$2,654
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lawrence, KS, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving wage standards, leading to a modest upward trajectory in average earnings for workers in this field.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while individuals with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings from entry-level to senior roles reflect the value placed on experience and expertise within the local job market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,260 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,888 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,150 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,813 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,890 | $22.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $31,850 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is precisely the national average), the nominal income in Lawrence, KS, for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations aligns directly with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary in Lawrence is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable, albeit not premium, lifestyle.
Job Market Context
7,470
Total Jobs
145.565
Per 1K Jobs
1.65
Location Quotient
Lawrence, KS has 1.6x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.65 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS, signifies a strong concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market in Lawrence is more specialized in this sector than many other areas, suggesting a higher availability of positions and potentially more opportunities for those seeking employment or career advancement in food preparation and serving roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,560↓ 1% | 24 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,120↑ 7% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,620↓ 1% | 60 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,340↓ 5% | 74 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,280↓ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lawrence, KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS is $31,850. This typically ranges from $21,260 for entry-level positions to $46,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 11.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lawrence, KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.While the average salary of $31,850 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings will have the same purchasing power as the national average.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($31,560) and Kansas City, MO-KS.
How does the Lawrence, KS salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS, is $31,850, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
Is there high demand for food preparation jobs in Lawrence, KS?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.65 suggests that food preparation and serving roles are more concentrated in Lawrence, KS, than the national average, indicating a strong local demand.
What is the Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS compared to the national average?
Lawrence, KS has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS?
There are approximately 7,470 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawrence, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,470 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 145.565 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 Lawrence, KS