The given number series follows the pattern of multiplying each number by 6 and then subtracting 2. Starting with 3, the next number is obtained by multiplying 3 by 6 and subtracting 2, which gives 16. Continuing this pattern, the next numbers in the series are obtained as follows: 16 * 6 - 2 = 94, 94 * 6 - 2 = 562, 562 * 6 - 2 = 3362, and 3362 * 6 - 2 = 20194. Therefore, the missing number in the series is 20194.