Chef Salary in Kansas City, Kansas
The median chef salary in Kansas City, KS is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.2% above the Kansas state average.
Chef Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)
Kansas City offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $566 above the Kansas state average of $49,172. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Kansas City spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Kansas City by Experience
In Kansas City, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, KS
| Percentile | Kansas City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,136 |
| Median (50th) | $49,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,064 |
Chef Salary in Other Kansas Cities
How to Become a Chef in Kansas City
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Kansas City and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Kansas City
Browse open chef positions in Kansas City, KS: