Chef Salary in Springfield, Missouri
The median chef salary in Springfield, MO is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.
Chef Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)
Springfield offers a median chef salary of $46,346, which is $3,392 below the Missouri state average of $49,738. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $46,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Springfield spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $80,196 at the 90th percentile — a $52,972 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Springfield by Experience
In Springfield, an entry-level chef earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Springfield, MO
| Percentile | Springfield |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27,224 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,604 |
| Median (50th) | $46,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,196 |
Chef Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Chef in Springfield
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Springfield 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 Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Springfield
Browse open chef positions in Springfield, MO: