Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
In the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $23,380. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including supply and demand for this specific role, often dictate these pay variations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,210.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area supports a substantial workforce of 9,630 Cooks, Fast Food. While the Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer size of the local workforce indicates a consistent demand for these essential roles within the region's vibrant food service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-24.9%below the national average.
$11.2
$450
$1,948
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Houston is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation have seen gradual increases over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to the Houston area, though the pace of growth may vary.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,490 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,535 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,710 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,225 | $14.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,210 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX stands at $23,380. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median. Therefore, the take-home pay aligns with the typical cost of living experienced across the United States.
Job Market Context
9,630
Total Jobs
2.966
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.68x 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 0.68 for Cooks, Fast Food in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, there may be a moderate level of competition for available positions, with employers having a reasonable pool of candidates to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,980↑ 7% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $23,380. This typically ranges from $20,490 for entry-level positions to $28,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 24.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $23,380 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the lower pay limits earning potential.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($24,980) and others.
How does the Houston salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $23,380, which is considerably lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The Cost of Living Index for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there in the Houston area?
There are approximately 9,630 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks saturated in Houston?
With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market for Fast Food Cooks in Houston.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,630 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 2.966 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX