Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Waco, TX
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Waco, TX is $50,330. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Waco, TX may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,400.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waco, TX economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Waco, TX earns-22.2%below the national average.
$24.2
$968
$4,194
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Waco, TX have shown healthy growth of 19.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Waco, TX varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.6x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $31,440, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $82,400.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,440 | $15.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $37,748 | $18.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $45,820 | $22 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $62,913 | $30.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $82,400 | $39.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Waco, TX, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $50,330 to $50,330.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
0.773
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.65x 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.
100 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Waco, TX.
Only 0.773 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
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↓ 13% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $43,440↓ 14% | 41 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $53,870↑ 7% | 41 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,300↓ 0% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $45,420↓ 10% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Waco, TX is $50,330. This typically ranges from $31,440 for entry-level positions to $82,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 22.2% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Waco, TX a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Waco, TX is $50,330 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Waco, TX. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($43,700) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 0.773 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 Waco, TX