Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$31,000$14.90 per hour · $2,583 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Columbia, MO
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (MO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $13.56/hr | $2,350 | $28,200 | $24,438 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.85/hr | $2,400 | $28,800 | $24,898 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $14.90/hr | $2,583 | $31,000 | $26,566 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.55/hr | $3,042 | $36,500 | $30,734 |
| 90th Percentile | $21.06/hr | $3,650 | $43,800 | $36,267 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Columbia, MO
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$31,000 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Missouri:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Columbia, MO
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Columbia, MO?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Columbia, MO is $31,000, which equates to approximately $2,583 per month or $14.90 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Columbia, MO?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Columbia, MO is $14.90 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $13.56/hour and one in ten earned more than $21.06/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Columbia, MO?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Columbia, MO span from $28,200 at the 10th percentile to $28,800 at the 25th, $36,500 at the 75th, and $43,800 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Columbia, MO?
On a median gross salary of $31,000, an estimated $26,566 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,022 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Missouri in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,434 (an effective rate of 14.3%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Columbia, MO?
On the median annual salary of $31,000, gross monthly income is $2,583. After federal, FICA, and Missouri state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,214 per month (or $1,022 every two weeks).
Is $31,000 a good salary in Columbia, MO?
At $31,000, the median salary for food preparation workers is 42.9% of the Columbia, MO median household income ($72,340). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 89.4, making regional consumer goods and services 10.6% cheaper than the U.S. average.