SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $66,380, which is notably higher than the national average of $64,680. This localized premium can be attributed to a combination of factors including the specific demands of the St. Louis culinary scene and the overall economic landscape of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,160.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 830 Chefs and Head Cooks and a Location Quotient of 0.53, the St. Louis market indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not a heavily concentrated hub, the presence of a substantial workforce suggests a steady demand for culinary leadership within the region's hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,380

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+2.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.9

Weekly

$1,277

Monthly

$5,532

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value in menu development, kitchen management, and staff supervision.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$40,500$19.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$49,785$23.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$60,130$28.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$82,975$39.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$95,160$45.8

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,380

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $66,380 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Chefs and Head Cooks in this metropolitan area holds its purchasing power equivalently to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook for those considering a move.

Job Market Context

830

Total Jobs

0.622

Per 1K Jobs

0.53

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.53x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.53 for Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis suggests that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This could imply a less saturated job market, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment, or it might indicate a lower overall demand relative to other professions in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Springfield, IL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$53,250↓ 20%84 mi

Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis, MO-IL is $66,380. This typically ranges from $40,500 for entry-level positions to $95,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 2.6% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis earn an average of $66,380, surpassing the national average of $64,680, while maintaining a cost of living that is on par with the national average.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($53,250) and others.

How does the St. Louis salary compare to the national average for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis, MO-IL is $66,380, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the cost of living in St. Louis, MO-IL for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis?

The job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in St. Louis has a Location Quotient of 0.53, meaning it is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive environment.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in St. Louis, MO-IL?

There are approximately 830 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.622 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 St. Louis, MO-IL