Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Wichita Falls, TX
In Wichita Falls, TX, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals earn an average annual salary of $32,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this Texas city. While the national average reflects broader economic factors, localized demand and the specific needs of institutional and cafeteria employers in Wichita Falls shape this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,490.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls, TX, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.4, which is above the national average. With a total local workforce of 230 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for these culinary professionals within the community. The concentration implies that this occupation is more prevalent in Wichita Falls than in the nation overall, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the size of the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls, TX earns-14.9%below the national average.
$15.6
$624
$2,703
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita Falls is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving demand for food services likely contributed to incremental increases in compensation. This general upward trend is typical across many service-oriented roles as the cost of living and the value placed on skilled labor adjust over time.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Wichita Falls, TX
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls, TX, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify this career trajectory, with more experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,280 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,330 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,220 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,550 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,490 | $20.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,440 in Wichita Falls, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the $32,440 earned locally would likely afford a similar standard of living as a higher nominal salary might in a location with a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
4.081
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Wichita Falls, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.4 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls, TX, indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the occupation is relatively more prominent in the local economy. While this could imply a more competitive market for job seekers due to higher availability, it also points to a sustained demand from local institutions and cafeterias that rely on this workforce more heavily than national averages would predict.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,120↑ 2% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita Falls, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Wichita Falls, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls, TX is $32,440. This typically ranges from $22,280 for entry-level positions to $43,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita Falls, TX is 14.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Wichita Falls, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,440 is below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Wichita Falls, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita Falls, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita Falls, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawton, OK ($33,120) and others.
How does the Wichita Falls salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The average annual salary in Wichita Falls, TX, is $32,440, which is lower than the national average of $38,130 for this profession.
What is the Cost of Living in Wichita Falls, TX?
Wichita Falls, TX, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there than the typical US city.
Is there high demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls?
The Location Quotient of 1.4 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs in Wichita Falls compared to the national average, indicating a relatively strong local demand.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Wichita Falls?
There are approximately 4.081 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wichita Falls, TX.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Wichita Falls, TX area with a job density of 4.081 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 Wichita Falls, TX