High-paying Food Industry Jobs in Columbia
The Food Industry involves producing and distributing food items. Workers ensure safe handling, preparation, and quality control. Knowledge of hygiene standards is critical.
The 358 food industry jobs listed below pay well, with salaries between $35,856 and $58,828 per year. Line Cook, Server and Cook are among the most popular high-paying roles in Columbia, MO.
Job title
Updated Aug 16, 2026
Job title
Columbia, MO
Missouri
Job openings (Columbia)
Restaurant General Manager
Columbia
$58,828
per year
Missouri
$57,031
per year
Bartender
Columbia
$18.81
per hour
Missouri
$19.98
per hour
Server
Columbia
$18.63
per hour
Missouri
$18.66
per hour
Kitchen Team Member
Columbia
$17.90
per hour
Missouri
$16.18
per hour
Line Cook
Columbia
$17.13
per hour
Missouri
$17.76
per hour
Cook
Columbia
$16.79
per hour
Missouri
$16.97
per hour
Prep Cook
Columbia
$16.27
per hour
Missouri
$17.19
per hour
Dishwasher
Columbia
$15.92
per hour
Missouri
$16.16
per hour
Deli Associate
Columbia
$15.37
per hour
Missouri
$15.69
per hour
Host/Hostess
Columbia
$15.10
per hour
Missouri
$16.14
per hour
Job descriptions below are for educational purposes. Please refer to the employer's job description for complete details.
-
Restaurant General Manager
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Restaurant General Managers oversee operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction. Leadership skills, restaurant management experience, and financial acumen are essential. Knowledge of industry trends is advantageous.
The top companies hiring Restaurant General Manager in Columbia, MO are Taco Bell (13 jobs), KFC (2 jobs), and Qdoba (1 job).
Restaurant General Manager jobs take 81 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 2% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 24 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$58,828 per yearMissouri
$57,031 per yearSkills
- Customer service
- Hospitality
- Leadership
- Food service
- Restaurant experience
-
Bartender
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Bartenders prepare beverages, manage bar inventory, and engage customers. cocktail-making skills, customer service experience, and knowledge of health regulations are needed.
The top companies hiring Bartender in Columbia, MO are Applebee's (2 jobs), Deuce Pub & Pit (2 jobs), and Black & Gold Tavern (2 jobs).
Bartender jobs take 86 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 52% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 36 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$18.81 per hourMissouri
$19.98 per hourSkills
- Bartending
- Restaurant experience
- Hospitality
- Serving
- Communication skills
-
Server
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Servers provide table service, take orders, and ensure guest satisfaction. Experience in food and beverage service, strong communication skills, and attentiveness are key for excellent customer experiences.
The top companies hiring Server in Columbia, MO are Waffle House (2 jobs), Applebee's (2 jobs), and SOPHIA'S (2 jobs).
Server jobs take 67 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 50% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 51 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$18.63 per hourMissouri
$18.66 per hourSkills
- Restaurant experience
- Customer service
- Serving
- Communication skills
- Hospitality
-
Kitchen Team Member
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Kitchen Team Members prepare food, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and assist chefs. Culinary knowledge, teamwork skills, and ability to follow safety standards are needed.
The top companies hiring Kitchen Team Member in Columbia, MO are Panda Restaurant Group (2 jobs), Truman's Bar and Grill (2 jobs), and 1839 Taphouse (2 jobs).
Kitchen Team Member jobs take 71 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 37% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 24 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$17.90 per hourMissouri
$16.18 per hourSkills
- Kitchen experience
- Cooking
- Food preparation
- Restaurant experience
- Food service
-
Line Cook
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Line Cooks prepare food items, maintain kitchen stations, and follow recipes. Key skills include proficiency in culinary techniques, kitchen equipment use, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
The top companies hiring Line Cook in Columbia, MO are Wendy's (5 jobs), Endwell Taverna (3 jobs), and Columbia Country Club (2 jobs).
Line Cook jobs take 112 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 48% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 60 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$17.13 per hourMissouri
$17.76 per hourSkills
- Cooking
- Restaurant experience
- Kitchen experience
- Food preparation
- Food handling
-
Cook
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Cooks prepare meals, manage kitchen operations, and maintain food safety standards. Culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and kitchen management experience are essential.
The top companies hiring Cook in Columbia, MO are Evertrue (4 jobs), Pizza Hut (2 jobs), and Panda Restaurant Group (2 jobs).
Cook jobs take 62 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 39% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 51 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$16.79 per hourMissouri
$16.97 per hourSkills
- Cooking
- Restaurant experience
- Food preparation
- Food service
- Food handling
-
Prep Cook
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Prep Cooks assist chefs, prepare ingredients, and ensure kitchen cleanliness. Culinary skills, attention to sanitation standards, and teamwork abilities are essential.
The top companies hiring Prep Cook in Columbia, MO are SOPHIA'S (2 jobs), Addison's south (2 jobs), and Olive Garden (1 job).
Prep Cook jobs take 88 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 46% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 15 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$16.27 per hourMissouri
$17.19 per hourSkills
- Cooking
- Restaurant experience
- Culinary experience
- Kitchen experience
- Knife skills
-
Dishwasher
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment, ensuring health standards are met. Ability to work efficiently under pressure, reliability, and maintaining clean workspaces are important traits.
The top companies hiring Dishwasher in Columbia, MO are 1839 Taphouse (2 jobs), Addison's south (2 jobs), and Cracker Barrel (1 job).
Dishwasher jobs take 49 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 47% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 32 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$15.92 per hourMissouri
$16.16 per hourSkills
- Dishwashing
- Restaurant experience
- Kitchen experience
- Food service
- Communication skills
-
Deli Associate
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Deli associates prepare and serve deli items, assist customers and maintain cleanliness. Attention to detail, customer service skills and strong organizational abilities are essential in this role.
The top companies hiring Deli Associate in Columbia, MO are Pro Food Systems, Inc. (6 jobs), moser's (6 jobs), and Mosers Foods (6 jobs).
Deli Associate jobs take 55 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 55% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 37 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$15.37 per hourMissouri
$15.69 per hourSkills
- Grocery store
- Food safety
- Cleaning
- Hi-Lo
- English
-
Host/Hostess
Review job description
Please refer to the employers job description for complete details.
Hosts/Hostesses greet guests, manage reservations, and coordinate seating in dining establishments. A warm demeanor, multitasking abilities, and excellent communication skills are key for a welcoming atmosphere and smooth operations.
The top companies hiring Host/Hostess in Columbia, MO are Applebee's (2 jobs), SOPHIA'S (2 jobs), and Addison's south (2 jobs).
Host/Hostess jobs take 72 days on average from job posting to starting date. Currently, 49% of job openings are part-time roles.
See 28 jobsAverage pay
Columbia
$15.10 per hourMissouri
$16.14 per hourSkills
- Customer service
- Restaurant experience
- Hotel experience
- Guest relations
- Serving