Prep Cook Salary in St. Louis, MO
Prep Cooks in St. Louis, MO, in 2025, earn approximately $16.83 per hour, which translates to about $673.20 per week, $2,917.20 per month, and $35,006.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in St. Louis is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook in the food preparation sector in the area.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in St. Louis, MO?
The salary of a Prep Cook in St. Louis can vary based on experience and other factors. Here is an overview of earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.98 | $559.20 | $2,418.40 | $29,020.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.83 | $673.20 | $2,917.20 | $35,006.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.27 | $810.80 | $3,506.93 | $42,201.60 |
Do Prep Cooks in St. Louis Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work primarily involves behind-the-scenes food preparation rather than direct customer interaction. Their compensation mainly comes from their hourly wage or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in St. Louis vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $16.83 per hour, which equates to about $35,006.40 per year.
Comparing this to St. Louis, the hourly and annual salaries are on par with the national average, reflecting a stable wage market for Prep Cooks in the city.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St. Louis for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer some variation in salary for Prep Cooks:
- Chesterfield: $17.76 per hour
- Frontenac: $16.78 per hour
Those willing to commute to Chesterfield may find slightly better pay than in Frontenac, with St. Louis offering competitive compensation in the region.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in St. Louis?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Prep Cook in St. Louis:
- Experience and Skill Level: Prep Cooks with more culinary skill and experience typically command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale or high-volume kitchens often offers better pay compared to smaller or casual venues.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may include shift differentials increasing wages.
- Certifications: Food safety and culinary certifications can improve salary prospects.
- Local Demand: Economic growth and restaurant industry expansion in St. Louis impacts job availability and pay.
How To Become a Prep Cook in St. Louis
Becoming a Prep Cook in St. Louis involves several actionable steps:
- Complete Culinary Training: Programs like the St. Louis Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in culinary skills for food service roles.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Schools such as L'École Culinaire focus on practical experience in professional kitchens, which is invaluable.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification are often required and ensure knowledge of proper food handling.
- Consider Professional Certification: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation demonstrates foundational culinary skills and can improve employability.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in St. Louis
Well-known employers actively seeking Prep Cooks in St. Louis include:
- McDonald's
- Hi-Pointe Drive-In
- Flower Child
Establishments That Prep Cooks in St. Louis Work At
Prep Cooks in St. Louis are typically employed by a variety of food service establishments including:
- Fast Food Restaurants: These offer entry-level opportunities with steady schedules but generally lower wages.
- Casual Dining: Pay is often higher here, with more complex food preparation duties.
- Fine Dining: These establishments provide the highest potential salaries but may require more advanced skills and experience.
- Catering and Hotels: Working in event-based catered settings or hotel kitchens may provide varied schedules and wages.
The type of establishment can significantly influence the compensation for Prep Cooks, with fine dining and larger venues often providing better pay and advancement opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St. Louis for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in related roles within the hospitality and culinary field, consider positions such as:
These roles include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Cook, all of which involve closely related culinary responsibilities with varying levels of skill and pay.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in St. Louis
Prep Cooks in St. Louis should be aware of pertinent labor laws and tax requirements to ensure compliance and fair treatment:
- For federal employment laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Missouri state-specific labor laws and employment resources, consult the Missouri Department of Labor site.