SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

Short Order Cooks in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $37,370, surpassing the national average of $35,650. This slightly higher compensation can be attributed to a combination of local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's culinary sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,070.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,000 Short Order Cooks and a location quotient of 0.77, the St. Louis market indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it suggests a stable demand that aligns with the general workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,370

The average Cooks, Short Order in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+4.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18

Weekly

$719

Monthly

$3,114

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL

For Short Order Cooks, career progression typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or specialized roles. As cooks gain experience, their responsibilities often increase, leading to higher pay. The difference in salary between the lower and upper percentiles signifies this career trajectory and the value placed on seasoned culinary professionals.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,610$14.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,028$13.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,350$18
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,713$22.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,070$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,370

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,370 in St. Louis aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in St. Louis is comparable to that of a cook in a similarly average cost-of-living area nationwide, offering a stable financial baseline.

Job Market Context

1,000

Total Jobs

0.746

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.77x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The location quotient of 0.77 for Short Order Cooks in St. Louis suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the job market is not exceptionally dense with these roles, there is a consistent presence and demand within the local economy, offering moderate competition for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in St. Louis, MO-IL is $37,370. This typically ranges from $30,610 for entry-level positions to $45,070 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 4.8% higher than the national median of $35,650.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

Yes, moderately so.Short Order Cooks in St. Louis earn slightly above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this offers a stable financial standing for these professionals.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the St. Louis job market compare to the national average for Short Order Cooks?

The St. Louis market has a slightly lower concentration of Short Order Cooks compared to the national average, indicated by a location quotient of 0.77. This suggests a stable, rather than overly competitive, job environment.

What is the average salary for a Short Order Cook in St. Louis?

The average annual salary for a Short Order Cook in St. Louis, MO-IL is $37,370.

How does the cost of living in St. Louis affect a Short Order Cook's salary?

St. Louis has a cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $37,370 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.

What does the total local workforce number mean for Short Order Cooks in St. Louis?

A total local workforce of 1,000 indicates a substantial number of Short Order Cooks are employed in the St. Louis area, reflecting consistent demand for their services within the region's hospitality sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,000 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.746 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.