Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area earn an average annual salary of $60,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that while the demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-living structure influence compensation compared to the broader United States.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,770 Chefs and Head Cooks, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area demonstrates a significant presence in this culinary field. The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 18% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns-6.5%below the national average.
$29.1
$1,163
$5,041
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased demand for dining experiences, and evolving culinary landscapes.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and leadership capabilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies the substantial career growth and earning potential within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,210 | $17.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $45,368 | $21.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $55,900 | $26.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $75,613 | $36.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $92,760 | $44.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,490 in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial environment where earnings are neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,770
Total Jobs
1.401
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.18 suggests that Chefs and Head Cooks are more concentrated in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area than the national average. This indicates a healthy job market with a notable demand for culinary talent, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,700↓ 28% | 53 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,440↓ 28% | 53 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,870↓ 11% | 53 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,300↓ 17% | 53 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $45,420↓ 25% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $60,490. This typically ranges from $36,210 for entry-level positions to $92,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 6.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Moderately so, with strong job concentration.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the higher-than-average concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.18) indicates strong local demand. The cost of living being at the national average further balances the earning potential.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($43,700) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos is $60,490, which is approximately $4,190 less than the national average of $64,680.
What is the job concentration for Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.18, meaning there are 18% more Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos affect salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This suggests that the $60,490 salary has average purchasing power within the region.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
With 1.401 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric highlights the prevalence of Chef and Head Cook roles within the local labor force, reinforcing the demand indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,770 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 1.401 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX