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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Columbia, MO

Cooks in Columbia, Missouri, earn an average annual salary of $33,290, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand within the local culinary scene, and the overall cost of labor in the area. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for assessing compensation in this role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,870.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market in Columbia, MO, shows a healthy concentration of restaurant cooks, with a Location Quotient of 1.21, indicating a presence slightly above the national average. With a local workforce of 1,200 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for skilled cooks within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,290

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Columbia, MO earns-11.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16

Weekly

$640

Monthly

$2,774

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Columbia, MO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the career trajectory available for those who advance within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,580$13.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,968$12
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,850$16.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,613$20
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,870$19.2

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,290

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,290 for Cooks in Columbia, MO, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, as indicated by the Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to what a cook might experience in a higher-cost national average area.

Job Market Context

1,200

Total Jobs

11.384

Per 1K Jobs

1.21

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.21, Columbia, MO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.21, Columbia, MO, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average. This suggests that the job market here may be somewhat more competitive or that the demand for culinary professionals is robust relative to other occupations in the area, offering potential opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,210↓ 3%27 mi
Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,920↓ 7%34 mi
Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,140↓ 0%34 mi
North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,520↓ 5%34 mi
Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,870↓ 1%34 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Columbia, MO?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Columbia, MO is $33,290. This typically ranges from $27,580 for entry-level positions to $39,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 11.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Cooks in Columbia, MO, is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.

Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($32,210) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Columbia, MO?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Columbia, MO, is $33,290.

How does the Columbia, MO salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Columbia, MO, is $33,290, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.

Is the job market for Cooks strong in Columbia, MO?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.21 suggests a slightly higher concentration of cooks than the national average, indicating a stable or potentially growing demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Columbia, MO?

The cost of living in Columbia, MO, is at the national average (100), meaning the $33,290 salary has comparable purchasing power to the national average salary in a higher cost of living area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,200 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 11.384 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO