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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Missouri

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Missouri earn an average annual salary of $30,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, a common trend in regions with a lower cost of living. The specific economic landscape and demand within Missouri directly influence this compensation, making local analysis crucial for understanding earning potential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,420.
  • Outlook: Missouri boasts a substantial workforce of 52,590 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.16 strongly indicates a significant concentration of these roles within the state compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing job market for fast-food cooks, signifying strong demand and a well-established presence of this occupation.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,070

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Missouri earns-3.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.5

Weekly

$578

Monthly

$2,506

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Missouri

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Missouri typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, signify the clear career progression and earning potential available as individuals gain expertise and tenure in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,980$13
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,553$10.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,450$14.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,588$18.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,420$17

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,016

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The nominal average annual salary of $30,070 in Missouri for Cooks, Fast Food should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 88.4. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of the Missouri salary is effectively higher than the raw number suggests. This means that the $30,070 earned locally can cover more expenses and provide a better standard of living compared to earning the same amount in a higher cost-of-living area.

Job Market Context

52,590

Total Jobs

18.022

Per 1K Jobs

4.16

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Missouri has 4.2x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Missouri's Location Quotient of 4.16 for Cooks, Fast Food is a powerful indicator of market concentration. A quotient significantly above 1.0, like Missouri's, suggests that this occupation is disproportionately represented in the state's labor market compared to the nation. This implies a highly competitive or abundant job market, with numerous opportunities available for individuals seeking employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,200↓ 6%10 mi
Columbia, MO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$29,300↓ 3%34 mi

Comparing salaries near Missouri

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Missouri is $30,070. This typically ranges from $26,980 for entry-level positions to $35,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 3.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Missouri's lower cost of living means your earnings can have greater purchasing power. The high concentration of jobs also indicates strong demand.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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 ($28,200) and Columbia, MO.

How does Missouri's salary for fast-food cooks compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Missouri is $30,070, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the job market like for fast-food cooks in Missouri?

Missouri has a very strong job market for fast-food cooks, indicated by a high Location Quotient of 4.16, suggesting a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living in Missouri affect the value of a fast-food cook's salary?

Yes, Missouri's Cost of Living Index is 88.4, which is below the national average. This means the $30,070 salary has a higher effective purchasing power within the state.

How many fast-food cooks are employed in Missouri?

There are approximately 52,590 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in Missouri, representing 18.022 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 52,590 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 18.022 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Missouri