Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Columbia, MO
In Columbia, Missouri, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,780. This figure is approximately 9.0% below the national average of $33,810. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Columbia metropolitan area, contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,430.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO, appears stable with a total local workforce of 530 individuals. The location quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO earns-9.0%below the national average.
$14.8
$592
$2,565
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of incremental wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced or supervisory positions. While specific salary data by experience level is not detailed here, the typical percentile gaps observed nationally suggest that senior roles can command significantly higher compensation than starting positions, reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,900 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,085 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,940 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,475 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,430 | $17.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,780 in Columbia, MO, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Columbia is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the average American.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
4.997
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Columbia, MO has 0.87x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 0.87, Columbia, MO, has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, the job market is not disproportionately saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,930↓ 3% | 27 mi |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,900↓ 3% | 34 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,380↓ 5% | 34 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,170↓ 2% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,650↓ 4% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO is $30,780. This typically ranges from $26,900 for entry-level positions to $36,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 9.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,780 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($29,930) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO compare nationally?
With 4.997 jobs per 1,000 workers, the representation of Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO is slightly below the national average, as indicated by the location quotient of 0.87.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Columbia, MO?
A location quotient of 0.87 means that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in Columbia, MO, than they are nationwide. This suggests a moderate presence in the local job market.
How does the Cost of Living in Columbia, MO affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, MO, is 100, which is the national average. This means the $30,780 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Columbia, MO?
There are approximately 530 Food Preparation Workers employed in Columbia, MO, contributing to the local service industry workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 4.997 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO