Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
In Columbia, Missouri, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and economic factors specific to Columbia influence compensation within this sector. The cost of living in Columbia aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary's purchasing power comparable to the broader U.S. context.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,870.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,150 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.19, Columbia, MO demonstrates a notably higher concentration of these roles than the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market for food service professionals, with demand potentially outpacing supply in certain areas, indicating a healthy environment for job seekers in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbia, MO earns-11.3%below the national average.
$15.3
$614
$2,659
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, MO's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive incremental increases in wages for most occupations, including those in the food service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbia, MO, is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,933 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,560 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,888 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,870 | $19.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,910 in Columbia, MO, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), suggests that the nominal income holds purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Columbia does not present an additional financial burden compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
11,150
Total Jobs
105.427
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Columbia, MO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Columbia, MO's Location Quotient of 1.19 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations signifies a market where these jobs are 19% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a relatively strong presence and demand for these roles within the local economy, suggesting that job opportunities may be more abundant or competitive compared to areas with a lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbia, MO is $31,910. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $39,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 11.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $31,910 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, and the job market shows a higher concentration of these roles. This suggests stability rather than exceptional financial gain.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($30,950) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, MO salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbia, MO, is $31,910, which is approximately $4,050 less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, MO?
Columbia, MO has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Columbia, MO?
The Location Quotient of 1.19 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 19% more concentrated in Columbia, MO, than the national average, suggesting a higher prevalence of these jobs locally.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations in Columbia, MO?
There are 11,150 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbia, MO, representing a significant portion of the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,150 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 105.427 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO