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Food Service · Missouri

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Missouri

Cooks, Restaurants in Missouri earn a median salary of $36,940/year, which is 1% below the national average. Missouri has a state income tax of ~2.6%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately -$222/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$37K
Median salary in Missouri
-1%
vs. national average
2.6%
State income tax
25,990
Employed in Missouri

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Missouri

Gross annual salary$36,940
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.6% state tax)$2,563/mo
Median 2BR rent (Missouri)-$2,785/mo
Rent as % of take-home108.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,940/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent-$222/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Missouri

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Missouri typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Missouri. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in Missouri require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Missouri licensure or certification

Missouri may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurant. Requirements vary by state, contact the Missouri Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Missouri

Missouri employs 25,990 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in St. Louis and Kansas City.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Missouri

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
St. Louis$38K$18.12/hr12,970
Kansas City$37K$17.97/hr9,940
St. Joseph$36K$17.09/hr320
Columbia$35K$16.94/hr990
Springfield$35K$16.87/hr1,910
Cape Girardeau$35K$16.77/hr380
Jefferson City$35K$16.67/hr460
Joplin$34K$16.31/hr700

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Missouri

10th percentile (entry)
$29K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$43K
90th percentile (senior)
$47K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Missouri?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Missouri is $36,940 per year ($17.76/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $28,890 to $46,970.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Missouri?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Missouri typically require No formal educational credential. Missouri may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Missouri licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Missouri?

At the median salary of $36,940, a cooks, restaurant in Missouri would take home approximately $2,563/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,785/month, that's 108.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Missouri?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Missouri are St. Louis ($37,690), Kansas City ($37,370), St. Joseph ($35,560). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Missouri have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Missouri has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.6%. On a $36,940 salary, this means roughly $960/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.