Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Springfield, MO
Cooks in Springfield, MO earn an average annual salary of $33,040, which is below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, local demand for culinary services, and the overall cost of doing business within the Springfield metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,200.
- Outlook: Springfield, MO supports a substantial workforce of 2,280 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. The location quotient of 1.09 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for culinary talent within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, MO earns-12.4%below the national average.
$15.9
$635
$2,753
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, MO have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Springfield, MO
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, MO typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth path.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,410 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,780 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,310 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,300 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,200 | $18.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,040 in Springfield, MO aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
2,280
Total Jobs
10.258
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Springfield, MO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.09, Springfield, MO demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market where demand is consistent with, or slightly exceeds, national employment patterns for this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MO-KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,790↓ 4% | 67 mi |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,000↓ 0% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Springfield, MO
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Springfield, MO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Springfield, MO is $33,040. This typically ranges from $27,410 for entry-level positions to $39,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, MO is 12.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Springfield, MO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,040 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. The slightly higher concentration of jobs indicates steady demand but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Springfield, MO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($31,790) and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR.
How does the cost of living in Springfield, MO affect a Cook's salary?
The cost of living in Springfield, MO is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $33,040 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the lower nominal wage more palatable.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in Springfield, MO?
A Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates that Springfield, MO has about 9% more Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita than the national average. This suggests a slightly stronger local demand for these roles.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there in Springfield, MO?
Springfield, MO has a local workforce of 2,280 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant, representing approximately 10.26 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.
Can experienced Cooks earn more than the average salary in Springfield, MO?
Yes, experienced Cooks with specialized skills or in leadership roles can earn significantly more than the average of $33,040, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,280 employees in the Springfield, MO area with a job density of 10.258 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 Springfield, MO