Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lawrence, KS
Food Preparation Workers in Lawrence, KS, earn an average annual salary of $30,540. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone considering a career in food preparation within this Kansas city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,350.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 300 individuals in food preparation roles, Lawrence, KS, presents a stable, albeit modest, job market for these professionals. The location quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Lawrence is very close to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the overall U.S. landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lawrence, KS earns-9.7%below the national average.
$14.7
$587
$2,545
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lawrence, KS is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most sectors, including food service.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lawrence, KS
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Lawrence, KS, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile salary data is unavailable, the typical salary range indicates that experienced professionals can expect to earn significantly more than those just starting out, reflecting a clear career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,120 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,905 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,310 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,175 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,350 | $18 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,540 in Lawrence, KS, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Lawrence is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover standard living expenses.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
5.826
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Lawrence, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.01 for Food Preparation Workers in Lawrence, KS, signifies that the employment concentration for this role is nearly identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions closely matches the national proportion, indicating neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of these workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,120↑ 2% | 24 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,190↑ 9% | 38 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,730↑ 1% | 60 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,360↓ 7% | 74 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,460↓ 10% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawrence, KS
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lawrence, KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lawrence, KS is $30,540. This typically ranges from $22,120 for entry-level positions to $37,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawrence, KS is 9.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lawrence, KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $30,540 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($31,120) and Kansas City, MO-KS.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Lawrence, KS, is $30,540, which is approximately $3,270 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Lawrence, KS?
Lawrence, KS, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This indicates that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Lawrence, KS?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Lawrence, KS, is indicated by a location quotient of 1.01, which is very close to the national average of 1.00, suggesting a similar proportion of these jobs compared to the national workforce.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Lawrence, KS?
There are approximately 300 individuals employed as Food Preparation Workers 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 300 employees in the Lawrence, KS area with a job density of 5.826 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 Lawrence, KS