Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in El Paso, TX
In El Paso, TX, Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings earn an average annual salary of $27,070. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the El Paso job market for this role. The cost of living in El Paso aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,130 individuals in this role, El Paso demonstrates a solid presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, implying a steady demand within the region that supports this workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in El Paso, TX earns-29.0%below the national average.
$13
$521
$2,256
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for El Paso's institutional and cafeteria cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments seen across many service industries. This growth would likely aim to keep pace with rising operational costs and attract qualified culinary professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in El Paso, TX
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks in El Paso. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career progression, offering clear pathways for advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,170 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,303 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,838 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,900 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,070 in El Paso, TX, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), suggests that the purchasing power of this income is on par with the national median. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living means that the take-home pay may not feel as diminished as a simple comparison of salary figures might suggest.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
3.397
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, El Paso, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
El Paso's Location Quotient of 1.17 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in El Paso is somewhat more specialized or has a greater demand for this particular role compared to other occupations, making it a moderately competitive but accessible market for aspiring cooks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces, NM Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,960↑ 22% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near El Paso, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in El Paso, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in El Paso, TX is $27,070. This typically ranges from $20,170 for entry-level positions to $36,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in El Paso, TX is 29.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is El Paso, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,070 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power.
Is El Paso, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($32,960) and others.
How does El Paso's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in El Paso, TX is $27,070, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the cost of living in El Paso, TX for cooks?
The cost of living in El Paso, TX is at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower, the general expenses for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are cook jobs in El Paso?
El Paso has a slightly higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cook jobs than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.17, suggesting a moderate demand for these roles.
What is the total number of cooks in El Paso?
There are approximately 1,130 individuals employed as Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within El Paso, TX.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the El Paso, TX area with a job density of 3.397 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 El Paso, TX