Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area earn an average annual salary of $30,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and local demand for this specific role. The pay differential underscores the importance of location in determining compensation for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,720.
- Outlook: The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area supports a local workforce of 790 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, market for these roles. The presence of 2.725 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, ongoing need for these essential kitchen staff.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX earns-21.3%below the national average.
$14.4
$577
$2,502
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 in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit potentially modest, upward movement in compensation is typical for established roles within the food service industry.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,810 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,515 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,910 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,525 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,720 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,020 in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, 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 for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary within the local area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
2.725
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX has 0.94x 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 0.94, the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles is very close to the national average in terms of job concentration. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where opportunities exist without being overwhelmingly abundant or scarce. Employers likely have a steady pool of candidates to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,740↓ 8% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is $30,020. This typically ranges from $21,810 for entry-level positions to $39,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 21.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,020 is below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($27,740) and others.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Cooks?
The job market in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, is very similar to the national average in terms of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.94, indicating a stable demand for these roles.
What is the cost of living impact on a Cook's salary in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning the local purchasing power of the $30,020 salary is equivalent to the national average, despite the lower nominal wage.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
There are approximately 790 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area, representing 2.725 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Can experience significantly increase a Cook's salary in this region?
Yes, as in most culinary roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior cooks with specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area with a job density of 2.725 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 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX