Cook Salary in Wichita, KS
Cooks in Wichita, KS, in 2026, earn approximately $14.34 per hour, which translates to about $573.60 per week, $2,485.60 per month, and $29,827.20 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Wichita is growing positively at about 5% per year, signaling a steady increase in opportunities for those in the culinary field within the region.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Wichita, KS?
The salary of a Cook in Wichita varies depending on skill and experience, with collective trends showing progression through distinct experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $9.04 | $361.60 | $1,565.33 | $18,771.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.34 | $573.60 | $2,485.60 | $29,827.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.75 | $910.00 | $3,933.33 | $47,320.00 |
Do Cooks in Wichita Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily focused on food preparation behind the scenes rather than direct customer service. Their earnings are mainly based on hourly wages or salary scales.
Cook Salary in Wichita vs. National Average
Across the United States, Cooks earn an average of about $16.11 per hour, which amounts to roughly $33,508.80 annually.
Compared to this national average, Cooks in Wichita earn slightly less at around $14.34 per hour and $29,827.20 per year. The variation is partly influenced by Wichita's cost of living and local job market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wichita for Cooks
Nearby cities offer varied pay rates for Cooks, including:
- Goddard: $15.54 per hour
- Overland Park: $16.42 per hour
Cooks seeking higher wages might consider commuting or relocating to these nearby cities where pay is comparatively better.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Wichita?
Several factors play a significant role in determining the salary of a Cook in Wichita:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with refined culinary techniques or specialization tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or hotels often offer better compensation compared to fast food or casual dining venues.
- Certifications and Training: Possessing food safety certifications or formal culinary education can improve earning potential.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Evening or weekend shifts might include premium pay rates or tips in rare cases.
- Local Economic Factors: Cost of living and local demand in Wichita affect salary scales.
How To Become a Cook in Wichita
Embarking on a career as a Cook in Wichita involves several steps that can help improve job prospects and salary potential:
- Acquire Formal Education: Pursuing programs such as the Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts at WSU Tech can provide valuable hands-on kitchen experience in advanced facilities.
- Consider Complementary Programs: Hospitality and Events Management at WSU Tech offers multi-disciplinary knowledge useful for food business operations and management.
- Obtain Essential Certifications: Certifications such as ServSafe Certification for safe food handling and the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation validate important skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles or apprenticeships helps build foundational skills and workplace familiarity.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Wichita
Several well-known restaurant chains actively seek skilled Cooks in Wichita. Among the top employers are:
- Red Robin
- Chili's
- Pizza Hut
Establishments That Cooks in Wichita Work At
Cooks in Wichita are employed across diverse establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide competitive entry to mid-level wages.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: These venues typically offer steady hours with moderate pay scales.
- Hotels and Catering Services: May pay higher wages due to complex menus and larger operations.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Usually offer higher earnings reflecting greater skill demands and customer service standards.
The type of establishment significantly influences both salary and opportunities for career growth within the culinary field.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wichita for Cooks
If you are considering career options related to being a Cook, here are some similar roles to explore:
These include Fry Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Manager positions, all of which involve culinary expertise at varying levels of responsibility.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Wichita
Cooks should stay informed about labor laws and taxation policies to ensure compliance and understand their employment rights.
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be reviewed at the U.S. Department of Labor official website.
- Kansas state-specific labor laws and employment services are available at the State of Kansas official website.