Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wichita, KS
In Wichita, KS, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,380. This figure falls slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Wichita influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Wichita, KS, shapes the earning potential for its food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,220.
- Outlook: Wichita, KS supports a local workforce of 1,260 Food Preparation Workers, with 4.12 jobs per 1,000 workers. The location quotient of 0.71 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not exceptionally high, this suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for food preparation services within the city's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Wichita, KS earns-10.1%below the national average.
$14.6
$584
$2,532
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita's Food Preparation Workers 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 demands typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for such essential roles, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and industry standards.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
The career trajectory for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita, KS, typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While exact percentile data isn't available, the typical wage gap between junior and experienced staff signifies opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential as skills and responsibilities grow within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,350 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,785 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,960 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,975 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,220 | $18.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $30,380 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita, KS, directly reflects the national standard of living. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Wichita is also at the national average, offering a comparable purchasing power.
Job Market Context
1,260
Total Jobs
4.12
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Wichita, KS has 0.71x 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.
The location quotient of 0.71 for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita, KS, indicates that the occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent presence of these jobs, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering moderate competition for skilled individuals. Employers may need to actively recruit to fill positions, especially for specialized or experienced roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,460↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,500↓ 13% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wichita, KS is $30,380. This typically ranges from $21,350 for entry-level positions to $39,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 10.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Wichita, KS is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $30,380 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the earning potential is not significantly higher than elsewhere.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($27,460) and Enid, OK.
How does Wichita's cost of living compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Wichita, KS has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Wichita is comparable to the national standard.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Wichita, KS?
The concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.71, which is below the national average of 1.0. This indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less prevalent in Wichita compared to the rest of the United States.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Wichita, KS?
Wichita, KS has a total local workforce of 1,260 individuals employed as Food Preparation Workers.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita?
There are 4.12 jobs per 1,000 workers in Wichita for Food Preparation Workers, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand for these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 4.12 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 Wichita, KS