SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Texas

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Texas earn an average annual salary of $26,170, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of local market dynamics, including the concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,160.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 31,120 Cooks, Fast Food, Texas demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.52 suggests that while the role is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these positions within the state's job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,170

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Texas earns-15.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.6

Weekly

$503

Monthly

$2,181

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Texas

The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Texas can vary significantly based on experience. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify a career progression path within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,150$9.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,628$9.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$24,390$11.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,713$15.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,160$16.9

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,140

Adjusted for COL (93)

The average annual salary of $26,170 in Texas, when viewed against a Cost of Living Index of 93 (meaning it's 7% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal income may stretch further locally than it would in a higher cost-of-living area. However, it's crucial to balance this with the lower average wage compared to the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

31,120

Total Jobs

2.248

Per 1K Jobs

0.52

Location Quotient

Below Average

Texas has 0.52x 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 0.52 for Cooks, Fast Food in Texas indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Texas compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are many jobs available, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Killeen-Temple, TX Cooks, Fast Food Salary$26,600↑ 2%10 mi
Waco, TX Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,210↑ 8%41 mi
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Cooks, Fast Food Salary$30,780↑ 18%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Texas is $26,170. This typically ranges from $20,150 for entry-level positions to $35,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 15.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, Texas is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $26,170 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. While the cost of living is below the national average, the nominal wage itself is considerably less competitive.

Is Texas a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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 ($26,600) and Waco, TX.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?

The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Texas is $26,170, which is $4,960 less than the national average of $31,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Texas relative to the national average?

Texas has a Cost of Living Index of 93, meaning it is 7% cheaper to live in Texas compared to the national average (which is indexed at 100).

How concentrated are Fast Food Cook jobs in Texas?

The Location Quotient for Fast Food Cooks in Texas is 0.52, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is about half of the national average.

How many Fast Food Cooks are there in Texas?

There are approximately 31,120 Fast Food Cooks employed in Texas, representing 2.248 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 31,120 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 2.248 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texas