SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Texas

Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas earn an average annual salary of $55,130, which is below the national average of $64,680. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors including the local cost of living and the specific demand dynamics within the state's culinary industry. While the nominal salary is lower, the overall economic landscape of Texas plays a crucial role in understanding this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,130 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,210.
  • Outlook: The Texas culinary market for Chefs and Head Cooks is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 16,550 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these roles in Texas is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for skilled culinary professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,130

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas earns-14.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.5

Weekly

$1,060

Monthly

$4,594

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Texas

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas significantly scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, leadership, and proven culinary acumen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,030$14.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$41,348$19.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$51,050$24.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$68,913$33.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$86,210$41.4

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,130

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,280

Adjusted for COL (93)

The nominal average salary of $55,130 in Texas for Chefs and Head Cooks is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 93, which is below the national average of 100. This means that despite earning less than the national average salary, the purchasing power of a Texas-based Chef's income is relatively strong, making the effective take-home value of their salary quite competitive.

Job Market Context

16,550

Total Jobs

1.195

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Texas has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas is neither overly saturated nor significantly undersupplied compared to the national landscape. This indicates a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, suggesting a competitive yet accessible environment for culinary professionals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Killeen-Temple, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$39,020↓ 29%10 mi
Waco, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$50,330↓ 9%41 mi
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,490↑ 10%53 mi
College Station-Bryan, TX Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$47,900↓ 13%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas is $55,130. This typically ranges from $30,030 for entry-level positions to $86,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 14.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, with strong purchasing power.While the average salary is below the national average, Texas offers a lower cost of living, making the effective income more valuable. The stable job market also supports consistent opportunities.

Is Texas a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($39,020) and Waco, TX.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average for Chefs?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas is $55,130, which is approximately $9,550 less than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Texas?

Texas has a Location Quotient of 1.01 for Chefs and Head Cooks, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in the state is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Texas affect a Chef's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (100 being the national average), Texas is more affordable than the national average. This means the $55,130 salary has greater purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living area.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Texas?

There are approximately 16,550 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Texas, representing a significant portion of the state's culinary workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,550 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 1.195 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texas