Cook Salary in Olathe, KS
Cooks in Olathe, KS, in 2025, earn approximately $15.81 per hour, which translates to about $632.40 per week, $2,740.40 per month, and $32,884.80 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Olathe is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local hospitality sector.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Olathe, KS?
The salary of a Cook in Olathe varies depending on experience and employer, but the general earnings across different levels can be seen below.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.81 | $632.40 | $2,740.40 | $32,884.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Cooks in Olathe Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than direct interaction with customers. Their income typically comes from wages or salary alone.
Cook Salary in Olathe vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of approximately $14.40 per hour and about $29,952 per year.
Compared to these averages, Cooks in Olathe earn slightly more, with an average hourly rate of $15.81 and an annual salary of $32,884.80.
This higher pay in Olathe can be attributed to regional economic factors and local demand for Cooks.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Olathe for Cooks
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Cooks, with some locations paying notably more:
- Prairie Village: $37.39 per hour
- Leawood: $35.85 per hour
Cooks seeking higher earnings might consider employment opportunities in Prairie Village or Leawood, where pay rates are considerably higher than in Olathe.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Olathe?
Several factors play a role in determining how much a Cook can earn in Olathe:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with a diverse skill set tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working at fine dining restaurants or upscale catering companies usually commands higher pay than fast casual or quick-service places.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary qualifications and certifications can impact earning potential positively.
- Shift Timing: Cooks working night or weekend shifts might receive shift differentials that increase pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: Olathe's cost of living and demand for hospitality services influence salary levels.
How To Become a Cook in Olathe
Becoming a Cook in Olathe involves several key steps:
- Participate in Local Culinary Programs: The Olathe Public Schools Culinary Arts Program offers hands-on training in a commercial kitchen environment, directly preparing students for hospitality careers.
- Gain Practical Experience: Programs such as Les Arts Culinaires provide real meal preparation and service experience through a fine dining student-run restaurant.
- Earning Certifications: Completing certifications like the ServSafe Certification ensures knowledge of food safety practices, critical for all Cooks.
- Advance Skills Through Certification: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation demonstrates fundamental culinary competencies, improving job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Olathe
Among the prominent employers actively hiring Cooks in Olathe are:
- Good Samaritan Society
- Burger King
- McDonald's
Establishments That Cooks in Olathe Work At
Cooks in Olathe typically find employment in diverse establishments such as:
- Fast Food Chains: Work here can offer steady employment but generally lower wages.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These venues usually pay moderate salaries with opportunities for advancement.
- Fine Dining and Catering Services: These often pay higher wages and expect highly skilled culinary expertise.
- Cafeterias and Institutional Kitchens: These provide consistent work but may offer lower pay compared to the private sector.
The type of establishment significantly impacts salary, with fine dining and catering roles typically providing the highest earnings for Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Olathe for Cooks
If you are exploring careers related to being a Cook, you might consider these similar roles:
These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, and Kitchen Manager roles, which involve related culinary skills, responsibilities, and salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Olathe
Cooks working in Olathe should be informed about labor laws and taxation policies affecting employment.
- Information on federal labor laws can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For details specific to Kansas, including labor laws and employment regulations, visit the State of Kansas official website.