Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
In Kansas City, MO-KS, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $33,190. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local job market. The cost of living in Kansas City aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal salary may offer comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,490.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS area supports a robust workforce of 6,070 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region. The presence of 5.553 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-1.8%below the national average.
$16
$638
$2,766
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the Food Preparation Worker sector, like many others, has experienced gradual salary growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and the need for employers to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market. Therefore, it's reasonable to expect that the average salary in Kansas City has seen a modest upward trajectory.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Kansas City, MO-KS, naturally scale with experience. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles reflect a clear career progression path, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise within the food preparation industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,220 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,893 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,920 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,488 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,490 | $19.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,190 for Food Preparation Workers in Kansas City, MO-KS, is directly comparable to the national average due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Kansas City is equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly more nor less affordable than other regions when considering the cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
6,070
Total Jobs
5.553
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS has 0.96x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 0.96, the Kansas City, MO-KS market for Food Preparation Workers is very close to the national average in terms of job concentration. This indicates a balanced job market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field. It suggests a competitive, yet stable, environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in food preparation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,540↓ 8% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,730↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Topeka, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,120↓ 6% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Kansas City, MO-KS is $33,190. This typically ranges from $28,220 for entry-level positions to $41,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 1.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,190 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while the job market is stable, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage over other regions.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($30,540) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.
How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Kansas City, MO-KS is $33,190, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in Kansas City?
The job market is nearly as concentrated as the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.96, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Kansas City?
There are approximately 6,070 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,070 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 5.553 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS