Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Topeka, KS
Food Preparation Workers in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $31,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Topeka influence compensation for these roles. While the pay may differ from national benchmarks, the cost of living in Topeka aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting a balanced purchasing power for residents.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,940.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation Worker job market in Topeka, KS, shows a stable presence with a total local workforce of 670 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests that this occupation is present in Topeka at a rate very close to the national average, indicating a consistent demand and a well-established role within the local economy. The density of 5.919 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces that this is a recognized and moderately concentrated employment sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Topeka, KS earns-8.0%below the national average.
$15
$598
$2,593
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Topeka is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual increases in wages for such roles, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the local context.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Topeka, KS, typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the food preparation field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,650 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,340 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,480 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,900 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,940 | $19.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,120 in Topeka, KS, holds its value effectively due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Topeka is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the salary, while below the national average, offers a stable financial standing within the local economic environment.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
5.919
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Topeka, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Topeka, KS, is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national landscape. This indicates a healthy and balanced market where the occupation is a standard component of the local employment base. The concentration suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, implying a steady demand that aligns with the typical needs of the region's food service industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,540↓ 2% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,360↓ 9% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,190↑ 7% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,460↓ 12% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,730↓ 1% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Topeka, KS is $31,120. This typically ranges from $22,650 for entry-level positions to $40,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 8.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but it offers balanced purchasing power.The average salary of $31,120 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable to national standards.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($30,540) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Topeka, KS, earn an average of $31,120 annually, which is approximately 8% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Topeka, KS, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning that the $31,120 salary offers average purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in Topeka?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.03, indicating that the presence of Food Preparation Workers in Topeka is very close to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Topeka?
There are approximately 670 Food Preparation Workers employed in Topeka, KS, representing a stable segment of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 5.919 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 Topeka, KS