Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area earn an average annual salary of $27,740. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and a specific demand profile within the region contribute to this salary differential, reflecting the unique labor market dynamics of South Texas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,660.
- Outlook: The Brownsville-Harlingen area supports a local workforce of 880 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 1.92, this indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary professionals in institutional and cafeteria settings within this specific metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-27.2%below the national average.
$13.3
$533
$2,312
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Brownsville-Harlingen have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would reflect ongoing efforts to retain skilled labor and adapt to evolving market conditions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,970 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,805 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,580 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,675 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,660 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,740 in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
5.589
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX has 1.9x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.92 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Brownsville-Harlingen signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the local job market is more specialized in this field, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a competitive environment where employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,020↑ 8% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $27,740. This typically ranges from $20,970 for entry-level positions to $39,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 27.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,740 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage indicates less financial advantage for this profession in this region.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($30,020) and others.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
With 5.589 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Brownsville-Harlingen area has a higher density of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average, indicating a specialized local market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen?
An LQ of 1.92 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen is almost twice the national average, suggesting a higher demand or specialized industry presence in this sector.
Does the cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen affect the salary?
The cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen is at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary of $27,740 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but it doesn't offset the lower wage compared to national averages.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
The Brownsville-Harlingen metropolitan area employs approximately 880 individuals in roles as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 5.589 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX