Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Columbia, MO
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Columbia, MO, earn an average annual salary of $33,300. This figure is below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for these roles in the Missouri capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,360.
- Outlook: Columbia, MO, supports a local workforce of 540 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. The robust Location Quotient of 1.76 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling a strong local demand and a well-established presence for this occupation within the area's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, MO earns-12.7%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,775
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, MO, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for essential service roles, reflecting adjustments to the cost of living and labor market demands.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, MO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,975 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,360 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,625 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,360 | $20.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,300 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, MO, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
5.12
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Columbia, MO has 1.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.76, Columbia, MO, demonstrates a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs that is 76% higher than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand is notably strong relative to the overall employment landscape, potentially offering more opportunities than in less concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,600↓ 5% | 27 mi |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,780↓ 8% | 34 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,610↓ 5% | 34 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,440↓ 9% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,070↓ 10% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, MO is $33,300. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $42,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 12.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $33,300 is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($31,600) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect Cook jobs in Columbia, MO?
The local workforce of 540 indicates a substantial number of professionals in this role, supporting the high concentration suggested by the Location Quotient and signifying a stable job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.76 mean for Cooks in Columbia, MO?
A Location Quotient of 1.76 means that Columbia, MO, has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Columbia, MO, impact Cook salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $33,300 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Columbia, MO?
Yes, the high Location Quotient (1.76) and the presence of 5.12 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a robust and active job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, MO.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 5.12 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO