SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO

In Jefferson City, MO, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $30,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for anyone in this sector within the Missouri capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,950 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,760.
  • Outlook: Jefferson City supports a substantial workforce of 5,340 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not over-saturated market. The presence of nearly 68.5 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent demand for these essential services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,950

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jefferson City, MO earns-13.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.9

Weekly

$595

Monthly

$2,579

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Jefferson City, MO

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jefferson City typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start near the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased income as experience and expertise are gained.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$23,213$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,110$13.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,688$18.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,760$18.2

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,950

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,950

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,950 in Jefferson City aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by food preparation and serving professionals in Jefferson City holds its purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the real value of the income is maintained locally.

Job Market Context

5,340

Total Jobs

68.487

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Jefferson City, MO has 0.78x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.78, Jefferson City's market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, as evidenced by the number of jobs per capita, the field may not be as intensely competitive as in other regions. This could present opportunities for skilled workers to find employment, though the slightly lower concentration might also imply fewer specialized or high-paying roles compared to national hubs.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Jefferson City, MO?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jefferson City, MO is $30,950. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $37,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Jefferson City, MO is 13.9% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Jefferson City, MO a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,950 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while purchasing power is maintained, the overall earning potential is lower.

Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Jefferson City, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Jefferson City, MO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area ($30,540) and Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area.

How does Jefferson City's cost of living compare to the national average for this role?

Jefferson City's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for everyday goods and services are comparable to the national standard.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Jefferson City?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.78, which is slightly below the national average. This indicates a stable but not overly saturated job market for these roles.

How many Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Jefferson City?

There are approximately 68.49 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jefferson City, indicating a consistent presence of these roles in the local economy.

Can experience significantly increase salary in Jefferson City's food service industry?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. As professionals gain more experience and potentially move into supervisory or specialized roles, their earning potential typically increases substantially from entry-level wages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,340 employees in the Jefferson City, MO area with a job density of 68.487 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.