Restaurant Cook Salary in Missouri
Based on 26K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$36,940
$17.76/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-2.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $47K
26K employed in Missouri
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Missouri is $36,940 per year, which equates to approximately $18 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, by about 2.0%. With over 25,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant segment of the food service industry.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Missouri. These include the specific location within the state, the type and size of the restaurant, and the cook's level of experience and specialized skills. Cooks in larger cities or high-end establishments may earn more than those in smaller towns or casual dining settings.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,890 |
| 25th percentile | $30,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,940 |
| 75th percentile | $42,720 |
| 90th percentile | $46,970 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Missouri tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,048 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,940 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,048 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $30,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $46,970 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in MO | $30,390 | -17.7% | $14.61/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in MO | $29,400 | -20.4% | $14.13/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in MO | $36,710 | -0.6% | $17.65/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in MO | $37,680 | +2.0% | $18.12/hr |
| Receptionist in MO | $35,740 | -3.2% | $17.18/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in MO | $40,100 | +8.6% | $19.28/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in MO | $40,360 | +9.3% | $19.40/hr |
| Security Guard in MO | $40,390 | +9.3% | $19.42/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in MO | $33,460 | -9.4% | $16.09/hr |
| Medical Assistant in MO | $40,440 | +9.5% | $19.44/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in MO | $33,080 | -10.4% | $15.90/hr |
| Tutor in MO | $43,090 | +16.6% | $20.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Missouri?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Missouri is $36,940. This means half of all cooks in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Missouri compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cooks in Missouri earn an average of $18 per hour, which is about 2.0% less than the national average. This translates to a slightly lower earning potential compared to the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Missouri?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Missouri typically falls between $28,890 on the lower end and $46,970 on the higher end. This wide range reflects the variability in pay based on experience and location.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 25,990 Restaurant Cooks currently employed in Missouri. This indicates a robust job market for individuals in this culinary profession within the state.