Cook Salary in Kansas City, MO
Cooks in Kansas City, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $17.00 per hour, which translates to about $680.00 per week, $2,946.67 per month, and $35,360.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Kansas City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for job opportunities in the culinary field in this region.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Kansas City, MO?
The salary of a Cook in Kansas City varies based on experience, skills, and employer. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.75 | $550.00 | $2,383.33 | $28,600.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.61 | $944.40 | $4,066.93 | $48,992.80 |
Do Cooks in Kansas City Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips, as their work is primarily behind the scenes in food preparation. Their income typically comes from hourly wages or salary rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Kansas City vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.00 per hour, which amounts to about $33,280 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Kansas City earn slightly more, with an average hourly rate of $17.00 and an annual salary of $35,360.00. This reflects a somewhat stronger local market for this role.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Kansas City for Cooks
The following nearby areas offer higher wages for Cooks:
- Downtown: $18.50 per hour
- Plaza District: $19.00 per hour
Cooks working in the Plaza District can expect the highest pay among the local neighborhoods, followed closely by Downtown Kansas City.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Kansas City?
Several factors play a significant role in determining how much a Cook earns in Kansas City:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks who master a variety of cooking techniques or cuisines often command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and catering companies generally pay more than fast casual or quick service establishments.
- Certifications and Training: Completing culinary programs or holding certifications can boost a Cook’s earning potential.
- Shift and Hours: Working evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may come with premium pay.
- Local Market Demand: The growing food scene in Kansas City supports better salaries for skilled culinary workers.
How To Become a Cook in Kansas City
Becoming a Cook in Kansas City involves learning culinary skills and gaining practical experience, often supported by formal education and certifications.
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: Local options include the Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers comprehensive training with hands-on experience, and the Kansas City Kansas Community College Culinary Arts Program focused on skills and hospitality management.
- Food Safety Certifications: Obtaining credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensures knowledge of food safety practices required in Missouri.
- Professional Culinary Credentials: Pursuing certifications such as Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation recognizes competency and professionalism in the culinary field.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting as a kitchen assistant or in entry-level cooking roles builds foundational skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Kansas City
Several notable employers in Kansas City actively seek skilled Cooks, including:
- First Watch
- Modern Market
- Americare Senior Living
- Morrison Healthcare
- B&B Theatres
Establishments That Cooks in Kansas City Work At
Cooks in Kansas City find employment in a variety of settings:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These establishments often have steady demand and pay moderate wages.
- Hotels and Resorts: These usually offer higher pay and may provide benefits along with diverse culinary experiences.
- Hospitals and Senior Living Facilities: Often provide stable jobs with competitive pay.
- Catering Companies: May offer varying pay depending on event types and volume.
- Entertainment Venues and Theaters: These often hire Cooks for concession and kitchen roles, with pay dependent on employer size.
The type of establishment strongly influences salary — upscale settings tend to offer better compensation compared to fast food or casual dining.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Kansas City for Cooks
For those interested in careers related to cooking, here are a few similar positions that might appeal:
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef roles, each offering different career paths and salary possibilities within the culinary industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Kansas City
Cooks should understand their labor rights and tax responsibilities to ensure fair treatment and compliance with the law.
- For federal labor regulations, visit the Federal Department of Labor website.
- For Missouri-specific labor laws and industrial relations, see the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website.