Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Cooks in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area earn an average annual salary of $34,050, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity can often be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand within the institutional and cafeteria sectors and the overall competitive landscape for these roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,180.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area employs a substantial 7,470 individuals in institutional and cafeteria cooking roles. While the Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, the sheer volume of employment indicates a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region's large population base.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-10.7%below the national average.
$16.4
$655
$2,838
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Houston is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for cooks, institution and cafeteria positions across the nation have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing labor costs. It's reasonable to assume that the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX market has mirrored this general trend, with incremental salary growth reflecting broader economic conditions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career progression path, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,040 | $11.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,538 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,590 | $16.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,563 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,180 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,050 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national average, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by the stable cost of living.
Job Market Context
7,470
Total Jobs
2.3
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.79x 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 0.79, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX market has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and employs a significant number of individuals, it may be less saturated than in other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,420↓ 11% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,560↓ 4% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $34,050. This typically ranges from $24,040 for entry-level positions to $44,180 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 10.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,050 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($30,420) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.3 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area has a slightly lower concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooking roles compared to the national average.
What is the total employment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Houston?
There are approximately 7,470 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area.
Does experience impact salary for these roles in Houston?
Yes, like most positions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with more expertise and responsibilities will earn more than entry-level cooks.
How does the Houston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $34,050, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,470 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 2.3 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX