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.
Chef Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $49,738. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Columbia spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
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.
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
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: