Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
In McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $44,900. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the overall economic landscape of the region, play a significant role in compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,150.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, comprises approximately 250 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX earns-30.6%below the national average.
$21.6
$863
$3,742
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, evolving culinary demands, and the general cost of living adjustments.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $44,900 average, while senior roles and head chef positions command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career advancement opportunities for skilled and experienced culinary professionals within the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,220 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,675 | $16.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,150 | $20.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,125 | $27 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $64,150 | $30.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,900 in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle in terms of expenses.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.869
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX has 0.73x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.73 for Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering moderate competition for skilled individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,450↓ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is $44,900. This typically ranges from $29,220 for entry-level positions to $64,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 30.6% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $44,900 is significantly below the national average of $64,680, although the cost of living is at the national average.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($43,450) and others.
How does the local workforce size affect Chef salaries in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a moderate-sized culinary professional pool. While not extremely large, it indicates a stable presence of chefs and head cooks in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.73 mean for Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 0.73 signifies that the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, is 27% lower than the national average, implying less competition but potentially fewer specialized high-end opportunities.
How does the cost of living in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, impact the salary of a Chef?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $44,900 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the job density for Chefs and Head Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
There are approximately 0.869 jobs per 1,000 workers for Chefs and Head Cooks in this region, indicating a modest presence of these roles within the broader local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area with a job density of 0.869 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 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX