SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Missouri

Chefs and Head Cooks in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $62,180, which is slightly below the national average of $64,680. This difference can be attributed to a variety of regional economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary professionals and the prevailing wage scales within the state's hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $62,180 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,960.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,590 Chefs and Head Cooks, Missouri presents a moderately sized employment landscape for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.46 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Missouri compared to the national average, suggesting potential opportunities for skilled individuals seeking to enter or advance within the state's culinary scene.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$62,180

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Missouri earns-3.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.9

Weekly

$1,196

Monthly

$5,182

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Missouri

The career path for Chefs and Head Cooks typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,720$17.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$46,635$22.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$59,220$28.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$77,725$37.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$90,960$43.7

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$62,180

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$70,339

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The average annual salary of $62,180 in Missouri for Chefs and Head Cooks is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 88.4, which is notably below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned in Missouri offers a comparatively higher purchasing power, allowing culinary professionals to enjoy a better standard of living than they might in more expensive states.

Job Market Context

1,590

Total Jobs

0.546

Per 1K Jobs

0.46

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.46x, Missouri has a notably lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.46 suggests that the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Missouri is less concentrated than the national average. This could indicate a less saturated job market, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals to secure positions and advance their careers without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Jefferson City, MO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$53,100↓ 15%10 mi
Columbia, MO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$59,570↓ 4%34 mi

Comparing salaries near Missouri

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Missouri is $62,180. This typically ranges from $35,720 for entry-level positions to $90,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 3.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, but it offers good value.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Missouri's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of the $62,180 annual wage.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Missouri?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($53,100) and Columbia, MO.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Missouri has 0.546 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks, which is lower than the national average, indicating a less dense employment landscape for this role.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Missouri?

A Location Quotient of 0.46 means that Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in Missouri compared to the national average, suggesting fewer professionals per capita in this state.

How does the cost of living in Missouri affect the Chef and Head Cook salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4, Missouri is more affordable than the national average, making the $62,180 salary provide a higher real income and better quality of life.

Are there many Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 1,590 Chefs and Head Cooks, representing a moderate-sized workforce within the state's culinary industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,590 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 0.546 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Missouri