Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Texas
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings across Texas earn an average annual salary of $33,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within Texas contribute to this pay differential. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for culinary professionals in the Lone Star State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,900.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 35,110 individuals in this role, Texas demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (2.535) points to a stable and consistent demand for these professionals within the state's diverse food service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas earns-13.4%below the national average.
$15.9
$635
$2,752
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, even if modest, reflects an ongoing effort to retain skilled culinary staff and adapt to evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Texas
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas 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 advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,000 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,765 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,780 | $15.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,275 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,900 | $20.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,505
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $33,020 in Texas for this role should be viewed in conjunction with its Cost of Living Index of 93. Since the index is below the national average (100), the nominal salary may offer a comparable or even slightly better purchasing power for residents compared to areas with a higher cost of living, despite the lower average wage.
Job Market Context
35,110
Total Jobs
2.535
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Texas has 0.87x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the profession is well-represented, it may not be as overwhelmingly dominant as in some other regions, presenting a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Killeen-Temple, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,780↓ 10% | 10 mi |
| Waco, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,840↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,200↑ 10% | 53 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,560↓ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Texas
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Texas?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas is $33,020. This typically ranges from $23,000 for entry-level positions to $42,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 13.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but cost of living offers value.The average salary of $33,020 is below the national average, indicating less lucrative pay. However, the lower cost of living index of 93 helps to offset this difference in purchasing power.
Is Texas a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($29,780) and Waco, TX.
How does the Texas salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas is $33,020, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job concentration for this role in Texas?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas is 0.87, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Texas affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (100 being the national average), Texas offers a lower cost of living, which can make the $33,020 salary more substantial in terms of purchasing power.
What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Texas?
There are approximately 35,110 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Texas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 35,110 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 2.535 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 Texas