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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Missouri

Cooks in institutions and cafeterias in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $33,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within Missouri influence compensation levels for this role. The cost of living also plays a significant role in understanding the true value of this salary.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,310.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,310 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.57, Missouri demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and established job market for these professionals within the state, suggesting consistent demand and a healthy number of employment opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,470

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Missouri earns-12.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.1

Weekly

$644

Monthly

$2,789

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Missouri

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Missouri typically involves a salary increase 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 significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,200$12.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,103$12.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,920$14.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,838$20.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,310$20.8

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,862

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The average annual salary of $33,470 in Missouri, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (meaning it's 11.6% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal salary may offer a reasonable standard of living. The lower cost of essential goods and services can help offset the difference when compared to the national average salary in higher-cost regions.

Job Market Context

13,310

Total Jobs

4.563

Per 1K Jobs

1.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Missouri has 1.6x 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 1.57 signifies that institutional and cafeteria cooks are 57% more concentrated in Missouri than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles within the state's job market, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for culinary professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$31,600↓ 6%10 mi
Columbia, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$33,300↓ 1%34 mi

Comparing salaries near Missouri

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Missouri is $33,470. This typically ranges from $26,200 for entry-level positions to $43,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 12.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $33,470 is below the national average, Missouri's lower cost of living (88.4) means that this salary can provide a comparable or even better standard of living than higher salaries in more expensive states.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

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 ($31,600) and Columbia, MO.

How does Missouri's job market compare nationally for institutional cooks?

Missouri has a higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.57, suggesting a robust local demand for these roles.

What is the average salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Missouri?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Missouri is $33,470.

How does the cost of living in Missouri affect a cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4, Missouri is cheaper than the national average, meaning the $33,470 salary may have greater purchasing power locally than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

Are there many job opportunities for institutional cooks in Missouri?

Yes, with a workforce of 13,310 and a high concentration (LQ of 1.57), Missouri presents a significant job market for institutional and cafeteria cooks.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,310 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 4.563 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Missouri