Chef Salary in Overland Park, KS
Chefs in Overland Park, KS, in 2025, earn around $17.42 per hour, which corresponds to approximately $696.80 per week, $3,019.47 per month, and $36,233.60 per year.
The job demand for Chefs in Overland Park is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the culinary industry in this region.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Overland Park, KS?
The salary of a Chef in Overland Park varies by experience level and skill set. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings from entry-level to top earners.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.67 | $586.80 | $2,538.00 | $30,456.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.42 | $696.80 | $3,019.47 | $36,233.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.68 | $827.20 | $3,575.47 | $42,950.40 |
Do Chefs in Overland Park Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do not earn regular tips as servers or bartenders do, since their role focuses on food preparation rather than customer interaction. However, in some establishments, especially high-end or specialty restaurants, Chefs might receive occasionally an extra bonus or gratuity as recognition of their quality and service.
Chef Salary in Overland Park vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn approximately $19.56 per hour, which translates to about $40,684.80 per year.
Chefs in Overland Park earn slightly below the national hourly average at $17.42 per hour and roughly $36,233.60 annually. This variance reflects local cost of living and market demand dynamics.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Overland Park for Chefs
Nearby areas where Chefs earn higher salaries include:
- Prairie Village: $22.75 per hour
- Manhattan: $22.44 per hour
Those willing to commute might find significantly better pay in these neighboring cities compared to Overland Park.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Overland Park?
Various factors impact the salary potential for Chefs in Overland Park:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Chefs with more years of cooking experience and specialized culinary skills tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and upscale hotels generally offer higher wages compared to casual eateries or fast food chains.
- Education and Certifications: Completion of reputable culinary programs or certifications often leads to better job prospects and salaries.
- Management Responsibilities: Chefs who lead kitchen teams or have supervisory duties tend to earn more.
- Shift Patterns: Working during peak hours or holidays can sometimes result in added compensation.
How To Become a Chef in Overland Park
Becoming a successful Chef in Overland Park involves multiple steps to build your culinary career:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: Institutions like Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program and Kansas City Kansas Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training and hands-on kitchen experience.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Programs such as ServSafe Certification, administered by the National Restaurant Association, ensure knowledge of food handling and safety standards.
- Gain Supervisory Certification: Certifications such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) from the American Culinary Federation can enhance career growth.
- Acquire Practical Experience: Start in entry-level kitchen roles to build skills and progress to more responsible Chef positions.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Overland Park
Several prominent employers in Overland Park actively seek qualified Chefs. These include:
- Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Resort Lifestyle Communities
Establishments That Chefs in Overland Park Work At
Chefs in Overland Park are employed in a variety of culinary settings, each providing different salary possibilities:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Typically offer higher salaries due to the demand for culinary expertise and presentation skills.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Often have moderate wage scales, suitable for less experienced Chefs.
- Hotels and Resorts: Usually provide stable employment with competitive pay, particularly for Chefs managing banquet or room service kitchens.
- Catering Companies: Salaries can vary considerably based on contracts and event sizes.
The kind of establishment often defines the work environment and the overall compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Overland Park for Chefs
If you're interested in career alternatives or growth paths, consider these similar roles related to Chefs:
These include Executive Chef, Head Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, encompassing leadership roles within culinary and hospitality operations.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Overland Park
Chefs in Overland Park should be aware of both federal and state labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance and proper management of their employment rights.
- Federal employment laws and labor regulations are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific regulations and resources for Kansas workers can be accessed at the State of Kansas official website.