Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Central Missouri

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $51,220 -16% vs national
Median hourly $24.62
10th percentile $32,670
90th percentile $81,250
Employed locally 80
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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Central Missouri
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $32,670
    25th
    $34,870
    50th (median)
    $51,220
    75th
    $59,770
    90th
    $81,250

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $85,370
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200

    Related occupations in Central Missouri

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food$27,630
    Waiters and Waitresses$25,580
    Cooks, Restaurant$28,940
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,230
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$35,570
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$29,250

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Central Missouri?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Central Missouri is $24.62, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $41.65 or more per hour.

    Is Central Missouri above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Central Missouri is 16% below the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Central Missouri?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $32,670 per year in Central Missouri. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,870.