Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Laredo, TX
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Laredo, TX, earn an average annual salary of $25,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Laredo's service industry likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,410.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 480 individuals in this role, Laredo presents a concentrated market for institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Laredo compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand that supports this segment of the workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Laredo, TX earns-31.8%below the national average.
$12.5
$500
$2,166
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Laredo, TX
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles representing greater expertise and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,370 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,493 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,170 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,488 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,410 | $16.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,990 in Laredo, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard within Laredo.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
4.56
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Laredo, TX has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.57 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Laredo signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Laredo is more specialized in this area, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a more competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Laredo, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Laredo, TX is $25,990. This typically ranges from $20,370 for entry-level positions to $33,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Laredo, TX is 31.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Laredo, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Laredo, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,990 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Laredo, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Laredo, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Laredo's cost of living compare to the national average?
Laredo, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.57 mean for cooks in Laredo?
A Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates that Laredo has 57% more jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria per worker than the national average, suggesting a higher concentration and demand for these roles locally.
How many institutional and cafeteria cooks are there in Laredo?
There are approximately 480 individuals employed as Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Laredo, TX.
Is the job market for cooks in Laredo concentrated?
Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.57, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Laredo is more concentrated than the national average, implying a specialized local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Laredo, TX area with a job density of 4.56 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 Laredo, TX