Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Topeka, KS
In Topeka, KS, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the Kansas capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,430.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Topeka, KS, employs approximately 8,880 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall workforce. The presence of nearly 79 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Topeka, KS earns-12.2%below the national average.
$15.2
$607
$2,630
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for these roles, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,670 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,640 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,450 | $19 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,430 | $22.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,560 in Topeka, KS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for this occupation, the purchasing power of that income locally is on par with the national average, suggesting that the lower salary is balanced by a neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
8,880
Total Jobs
78.897
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 0.89x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.89 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Topeka, KS, indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and necessary, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,850↑ 1% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,340↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,120↑ 8% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,280↓ 10% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,620↑ 0% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Topeka, KS is $31,560. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $46,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 12.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,560 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the disparity.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($31,850) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's Food Preparation salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Topeka, KS, is $31,560, which is $4,400 less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Topeka, KS?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.89, indicating slightly fewer jobs per capita in this sector compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Topeka affect the salary?
Topeka's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $31,560 salary has average purchasing power locally.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation roles in Topeka?
There are approximately 8,880 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Topeka, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,880 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 78.897 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 Topeka, KS