Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS

In Kansas City, MO-KS, cooks in restaurants earn a median annual salary of $36,970, which is slightly above the national median of $36,830 for this occupation. This translates to a median hourly wage of $17.77. When compared to the local area's median household income of $81,927, it becomes evident that the earnings of cooks constitute roughly 45% of the typical household income in Kansas City. This percentage highlights the financial challenges faced by individuals working as cooks, particularly when considering living expenses and other economic factors within the region.

Entry-level cooks in Kansas City earn around $29,530 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while those with more experience can earn up to $46,420, at the 90th percentile. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by several factors, including years of service, level of skill, type of establishment (e.g., fine dining vs. fast food), and additional responsibilities such as supervisory roles or specialization in certain cuisines. The progression from $31,400 at the 25th percentile to $38,700 at the 75th percentile further illustrates how experience and skill development can significantly impact earnings within this field.