Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$36,400$17.50 per hour · $3,033 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant 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 | $13.70/hr | $2,375 | $28,500 | $24,671 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.57/hr | $2,525 | $30,300 | $26,035 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.50/hr | $3,033 | $36,400 | $30,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $20.24/hr | $3,508 | $42,100 | $34,979 |
| 90th Percentile | $22.26/hr | $3,858 | $46,300 | $38,162 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Columbia, MO
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$36,400 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Missouri:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in Columbia, MO
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Columbia, MO?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Columbia, MO is $36,400, which equates to approximately $3,033 per month or $17.50 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Columbia, MO?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Columbia, MO is $17.50 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $13.70/hour and one in ten earned more than $22.26/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Columbia, MO?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Columbia, MO span from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $30,300 at the 25th, $42,100 at the 75th, and $46,300 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Columbia, MO?
On a median gross salary of $36,400, an estimated $30,659 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,179 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Missouri in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,741 (an effective rate of 15.8%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Columbia, MO?
On the median annual salary of $36,400, gross monthly income is $3,033. After federal, FICA, and Missouri state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,555 per month (or $1,179 every two weeks).
Is $36,400 a good salary in Columbia, MO?
At $36,400, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 50.3% 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.