Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to larger urban centers. The specific economic landscape and cost of labor within this nonmetropolitan region directly influence this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,450 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.94, the job market in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area indicates a stable, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these roles. The presence of nearly 1,500 professionals suggests a consistent demand for culinary services within the region, supporting a steady employment environment for cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-18.0%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,577
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth would likely be influenced by factors such as increased food costs, evolving dining trends, and efforts to retain skilled kitchen staff in a competitive labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and supervisory capabilities can expect to earn considerably more. The salary distribution across different experience levels, often represented by percentile gaps, clearly signifies the career advancement opportunities and earning potential within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,180 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,190 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,200 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,650 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,040 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,920 in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,450
Total Jobs
8.839
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 0.94x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.94 for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of cooks is proportionate to the overall workforce, neither significantly oversupplied nor undersupplied relative to national trends, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,210↑ 4% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,290↑ 8% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $30,920. This typically ranges from $26,180 for entry-level positions to $37,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 18.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $30,920 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are comparable, earning potential is lower.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($32,210) and Columbia, MO.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for cooks?
A local workforce of 1,450 cooks suggests a substantial existing pool of talent and a consistent demand for culinary services within the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.94 mean for restaurant cooks?
A Location Quotient of 0.94 signifies that the presence of restaurant cooks in this region is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high concentration of these jobs.
How does experience impact a cook's salary in this region?
As with most culinary roles, experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with advanced skills and years in the profession can command higher wages, reflecting their value and expertise.
Is the salary for cooks in Southeast Missouri competitive?
While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living being at the national average suggests that the real value of the salary is maintained. However, for those seeking higher earning potential, other regions might be more attractive.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,450 employees in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.839 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area