Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
In Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $23,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area's fast-food sector. The cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen aligns with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,300.
- Outlook: The Brownsville-Harlingen area employs approximately 490 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 3.124 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for fast-food cooks in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-25.7%below the national average.
$11.1
$445
$1,928
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for fast-food cooks, even in localized markets.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or shift leaders with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,870 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,355 | $8.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,830 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,925 | $13.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,300 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,140 in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), suggests that the nominal income provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the occupation, the stable cost of living means that the take-home pay may still allow for a comparable standard of living to other areas.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
3.124
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX has 0.72x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food 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 0.72 for Cooks, Fast Food in Brownsville-Harlingen indicates that this occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job is present, it may not be a dominant industry sector within the local economy compared to other regions. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $23,140. This typically ranges from $18,870 for entry-level positions to $28,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 25.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food.The average annual salary of $23,140 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal wage does not indicate high earning potential.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Brownsville-Harlingen salary compare to the national average for fast food cooks?
The average annual salary for fast food cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen is $23,140, which is substantially lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.72?
An LQ of 0.72 means that the concentration of fast food cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen is 28% lower than the national average. This suggests the occupation is less prevalent in this area compared to the rest of the country.
How does the cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Brownsville-Harlingen is at the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $23,140 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the lower wage more palatable.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' tell us about the fast food cook market?
The figure of 3.124 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the relative prevalence of fast food cook positions within the local workforce. It suggests a consistent, though not overwhelming, presence of these jobs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 3.124 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX