Creative & Education Columbia, MO
Pop. 126,254
Chef Salary in Columbia, Missouri
The median chef salary in Columbia, MO is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.
City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%
Chef Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,136 |
| Median (50th) | $49,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,064 |
Chef Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Chef in Columbia
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Columbia
Browse open chef positions in Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Columbia
How much does a Chef make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median chef salary in Columbia, Missouri is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Columbia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for chef pay? ▼
Columbia's median chef salary of $49,738 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $49,738. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Columbia? ▼
Most chef positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.