Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in El Paso, TX
In El Paso, TX, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,630, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the overall demand for these services and the prevailing wage scales within the region's specific labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,630.
- Outlook: El Paso's fast-food cook job market features a local workforce of approximately 1,100 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in El Paso, TX earns-17.7%below the national average.
$12.3
$493
$2,136
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in El Paso, like in many other regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining options.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in El Paso, TX
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food in El Paso typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which can command higher salaries. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that experienced cooks can earn significantly more than their less experienced counterparts, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,320 | $9.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,223 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,750 | $11.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,038 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,630 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,630 in El Paso aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
3.309
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
El Paso, TX has 0.76x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.76 for Cooks, Fast Food in El Paso indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job is present, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering moderate opportunities for job seekers compared to regions with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces, NM Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,600↑ 15% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near El Paso, TX
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in El Paso, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in El Paso, TX is $25,630. This typically ranges from $19,320 for entry-level positions to $36,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in El Paso, TX is 17.7% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is El Paso, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, El Paso, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $25,630 is significantly lower than the national average. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable, though the absolute income is less.
Is El Paso, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in El Paso, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near El Paso, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Las Cruces, NM ($29,600) and others.
How does El Paso's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in El Paso, TX is $25,630, which is approximately 18% lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in El Paso compared to the rest of the US?
El Paso has a Location Quotient of 0.76 for Cooks, Fast Food, meaning the occupation is slightly less concentrated in El Paso than the national average.
How many fast-food cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in El Paso?
There are approximately 3.309 jobs for Cooks, Fast Food per 1,000 workers in El Paso, TX.
Does the cost of living in El Paso affect the perceived salary for fast-food cooks?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, El Paso's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $25,630 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in absolute terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the El Paso, TX area with a job density of 3.309 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in El Paso, TX
- All Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Management Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in El Paso, TX
- Browse All Jobs in El Paso, TX →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in El Paso, TX