SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Missouri

Cooks in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $35,730, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand dynamics within its culinary sector. While not reaching the national benchmark, the local compensation reflects the prevailing wage structure in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,250.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 28,390 Cooks, Restaurant, Missouri demonstrates a significant presence in this occupational category. The Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that this profession is slightly more concentrated in Missouri than the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals within the state's job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,730

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Missouri earns-5.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.2

Weekly

$687

Monthly

$2,978

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Missouri

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Missouri typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at 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 clearly signify career progression, rewarding increased expertise, responsibility, and a proven track record in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,980$13
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,798$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,320$17
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,663$21.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,250$21.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,419

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The average annual salary of $35,730 in Missouri presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.4. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries are generally more affordable. Consequently, the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents.

Job Market Context

28,390

Total Jobs

9.729

Per 1K Jobs

1.03

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.03, Missouri has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.03 for Cooks, Restaurant in Missouri suggests that the employment concentration for this role is marginally higher than the national average. This indicates a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, job market for culinary professionals, implying a steady demand that is slightly above the typical national distribution.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,210↓ 10%10 mi
Columbia, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,290↓ 7%34 mi

Comparing salaries near Missouri

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Missouri is $35,730. This typically ranges from $26,980 for entry-level positions to $45,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 5.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.Missouri offers a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cook jobs than the national average, and its lower cost of living means your salary may stretch further than in higher-cost states.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($32,210) and Columbia, MO.

How does Missouri's average cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Missouri is $35,730, which is approximately $1,970 less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in Missouri?

There are approximately 28,390 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the state of Missouri.

Is the job market for cooks saturated in Missouri?

With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable demand rather than oversaturation.

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

Missouri's Cost of Living Index is 88.4, which is below the national average. This means the $35,730 salary provides relatively good purchasing power for residents.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 28,390 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 9.729 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 Missouri