Restaurant Cook Salary in Kansas
Based on 12K+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$35,130
$16.89/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-6.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$26K – $45K
12K employed in Kansas
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Kansas is $35,130 per year, which translates to about $17 per hour. This figure is 6.8% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, around 11,620 individuals are employed as Restaurant Cooks across the state.
Several factors influence how much a Restaurant Cook earns in Kansas. These include the specific employer, the cook's years of experience, the cost of living in the city or town, and the skill set they possess. Wages typically fall between $26,120 and $44,540 annually.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,120 |
| 25th percentile | $29,690 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,130 |
| 75th percentile | $37,440 |
| 90th percentile | $44,540 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Kansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,184 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,130 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,184 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $29,690 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $44,540 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Restaurant Cook ($35,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in KS | $36,120 | +2.8% | $17.37/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in KS | $27,580 | -21.5% | $13.26/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in KS | $35,450 | +0.9% | $17.04/hr |
| Receptionist in KS | $36,050 | +2.6% | $17.33/hr |
| Security Guard in KS | $37,080 | +5.6% | $17.83/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in KS | $38,010 | +8.2% | $18.27/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in KS | $32,180 | -8.4% | $15.47/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in KS | $31,260 | -11.0% | $15.03/hr |
| Medical Assistant in KS | $39,510 | +12.5% | $19.00/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in KS | $39,770 | +13.2% | $19.12/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in KS | $40,320 | +14.8% | $19.38/hr |
| Tutor in KS | $41,290 | +17.5% | $19.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Restaurant Cook make in Kansas on average?
- The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Kansas is $35,130 per year. This works out to approximately $17 per hour, which is lower than the national average.
What is the salary range for Restaurant Cooks in Kansas?
- Restaurant Cooks in Kansas can expect their annual salaries to fall within a range of $26,120 to $44,540. This wider spectrum reflects variations in experience and location.
Is the Restaurant Cook salary in Kansas higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Kansas is 6.8% lower than the national average. The median annual salary in Kansas is $35,130, compared to the national median.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Kansas?
- There are approximately 11,620 Restaurant Cooks currently employed in Kansas. This indicates a significant presence of this role within the state's food service industry.