Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,870. This figure falls below the national average of $37,700, indicating a regional pay differential. Such variations are often influenced by local economic conditions, demand for specific skills, and the overall cost of doing business within a particular geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,080.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,270 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.69, the job market in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area shows a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust demand and a significant presence of culinary professionals within the region, pointing towards a stable employment landscape for cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-12.8%below the national average.
$15.8
$632
$2,739
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and role isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This growth is typically driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies the career ladder and the value placed on expertise and tenure within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,860 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,653 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,350 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,088 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,080 | $18.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,870 in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely 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 comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower wages are offset by a neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,270
Total Jobs
15.938
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.69 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area indicates a job market that is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are more prevalent and in higher demand relative to the overall employment landscape in this region compared to the rest of the country, potentially offering more opportunities for those in the profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,210↓ 2% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,290↑ 1% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $32,870. This typically ranges from $26,860 for entry-level positions to $39,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 12.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant is notably lower than the national average. The high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.69) does indicate demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($32,210) and Columbia, MO.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri compare nationally?
With 15.938 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 1.69, Cooks, Restaurant are more concentrated in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting a higher relative prevalence of these jobs.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
An LQ of 1.69 means that Cooks, Restaurant are employed in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area at a rate 69% higher than the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization in this occupation.
How does the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $32,870 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is approximately 12.8% lower than the national average of $37,700.
Does the Cost of Living in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the lower nominal salary of $32,870 is balanced by the cost of living, meaning the purchasing power is similar to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,270 employees in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 15.938 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area