Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Jefferson City, MO
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Jefferson City, MO, earn an average annual salary of $31,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this specific geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,280.
- Outlook: Jefferson City, MO, hosts a local workforce of 380 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.69, indicating a concentration nearly 70% higher than the national average, there is a demonstrably strong local demand for these roles, suggesting a robust job market for this occupation within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jefferson City, MO earns-17.1%below the national average.
$15.2
$608
$2,633
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Jefferson City, MO, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Jefferson City, MO
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,830 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,700 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,790 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,500 | $19 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,280 | $18.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,600 in Jefferson City, MO, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
4.903
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Jefferson City, MO has 1.7x 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.
Jefferson City's Location Quotient of 1.69 signifies a substantial concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national landscape. This elevated quotient suggests that the job market for these professionals is relatively abundant and that employers may have a greater pool of local talent to draw from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,780↓ 3% | 10 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,610↑ 0% | 10 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,440↓ 4% | 10 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,070↓ 5% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,300↑ 5% | 27 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jefferson City, MO
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Jefferson City, MO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jefferson City, MO is $31,600. This typically ranges from $25,830 for entry-level positions to $39,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jefferson City, MO is 17.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Jefferson City, MO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher than the national average, the average salary of $31,600 is below the national average of $38,130. The cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power.
Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Jefferson City, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jefferson City, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area ($30,780) and Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Jefferson City?
A local workforce of 380 indicates a moderate-sized group of professionals. While not extremely large, the high Location Quotient suggests this workforce is significant relative to the national average, pointing to consistent demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.69 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.69 means that Jefferson City has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This suggests a potentially favorable job market with more opportunities relative to the size of the workforce.
How does the cost of living in Jefferson City compare to the national average?
Jefferson City's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This implies that the general expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other necessities are comparable to the national standard.
What is the difference between the local and national average salary for this role?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jefferson City, MO, is $31,600, which is $6,530 less than the national average of $38,130.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Jefferson City, MO area with a job density of 4.903 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 Jefferson City, MO