Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific demand and compensation structure within this locale significantly influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,390.
- Outlook: The Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 1,240 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a location quotient of 2.77, this occupation is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust local demand for these culinary roles within institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-17.1%below the national average.
$15.2
$608
$2,634
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Central Missouri is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving labor market dynamics likely contributed to modest increases in compensation for cooks, aiming to keep pace with inflation and living costs.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,110 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,708 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,250 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,513 | $19 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,390 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,610 in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
8.064
Per 1K Jobs
2.77
Location Quotient
Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A location quotient of 2.77 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are more than twice as concentrated in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from, influencing hiring practices and compensation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,600↓ 0% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,300↑ 5% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $31,610. This typically ranges from $26,110 for entry-level positions to $38,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 17.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks is significantly lower than the national average. The high concentration of these jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($31,600) and Columbia, MO.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.064 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area has a higher concentration of Cook positions than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence for this occupation.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,240 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means the $31,610 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower nominal wage.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.77 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.77 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Cook jobs in this area than nationally, suggesting a robust local market with potentially more opportunities but also increased competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.064 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area