Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Cooks in the institution and cafeteria sector within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as supply and demand for culinary professionals and the specific needs of institutional employers, influence compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,440.
- Outlook: The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area supports a substantial workforce of 9,350 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of over 2.3 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent demand for these essential food service positions within the region's diverse institutions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX earns-6.6%below the national average.
$17.1
$685
$2,967
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing operational costs for institutions and a sustained need for qualified kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the broader percentile gaps seen in experienced roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,070 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,700 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,500 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,440 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,600 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
9,350
Total Jobs
2.336
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX has 0.80x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sherman-Denison, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,690↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Waco, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,840↓ 11% | 87 mi |
| Tyler, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,370↓ 15% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $35,600. This typically ranges from $26,070 for entry-level positions to $44,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 6.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,600 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sherman-Denison, TX ($33,690) and Waco, TX.
How does the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington job market compare nationally for this role?
The job market in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.8, indicating a stable but not overly competitive environment.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX?
The average annual salary for a Cook in the institution and cafeteria sector in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX is $35,600.
How does the cost of living in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington affect a Cook's salary?
The cost of living in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is at the national average (100), meaning the $35,600 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.8 mean for Cooks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington?
A Location Quotient of 0.8 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington is 20% lower than the national average, suggesting a slightly less saturated job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,350 employees in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area with a job density of 2.336 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 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX