SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX

In Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $43,450. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $64,680, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the South Texas region. Factors such as the local market's economic drivers and the cost of doing business significantly influence compensation for culinary professionals in this area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,570.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, for Chefs and Head Cooks shows a stable presence, with a total local workforce of 200 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not booming, demand for experienced culinary leadership within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,450

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-32.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.9

Weekly

$836

Monthly

$3,621

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on advanced experience and leadership in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,470$12.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$32,588$15.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,130$17.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$54,313$26.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$68,570$33

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,450

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $43,450 in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary may appear lower compared to national averages, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the rest of the country, making it a neutral factor for relocation considerations from a cost perspective.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

1.275

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.08, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, exhibits a job market for Chefs and Head Cooks that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable demand for these roles, indicating that the market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, providing a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$44,900↑ 3%51 mi

Comparing salaries near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $43,450. This typically ranges from $26,470 for entry-level positions to $68,570 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 32.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $43,450 is substantially lower than the national average of $64,680, indicating less lucrative earning potential.

Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($44,900) and others.

What is the average salary for a Chef in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $43,450.

How does the cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.

Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks strong in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?

The market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles than the national average (LQ of 1.08), suggesting a stable demand.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?

There are approximately 200 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 1.275 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX