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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Abilene, TX

Cooks in Abilene, TX earn an average annual salary of $30,460. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for this role in the Texas city. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,560.
  • Outlook: The restaurant cook job market in Abilene, TX, shows a steady presence with a total local workforce of 760 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates a slightly higher concentration of cooks compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand for these culinary professionals within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,460

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Abilene, TX earns-19.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.6

Weekly

$586

Monthly

$2,538

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Abilene, TX

The salary trajectory for Cooks, Restaurant in Abilene, TX, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as one advances.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,740$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,845$11
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,480$14.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,075$18.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,560$17.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $30,460 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), the nominal income for a Cook in Abilene, TX, directly aligns with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment.

Job Market Context

760

Total Jobs

10.322

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Abilene, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.1 for Cooks, Restaurant in Abilene, TX, signifies a market that is slightly more concentrated with this profession than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and perhaps slightly elevated, the job market may be moderately competitive, with a good number of opportunities available for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
San Angelo, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,990↓ 2%81 mi

Comparing salaries near Abilene, TX

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Abilene, TX?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Abilene, TX is $30,460. This typically ranges from $21,740 for entry-level positions to $36,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Abilene, TX is 19.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Abilene, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,460 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Abilene, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Abilene, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Abilene, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Angelo, TX ($29,990) and others.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Abilene, TX?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Abilene, TX is $30,460.

How does the Abilene, TX salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Abilene, TX ($30,460) is lower than the national average salary of $37,700 for Cooks, Restaurant.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Abilene, TX?

Abilene, TX has a Location Quotient of 1.1 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly higher concentration than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Abilene, TX affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $30,460 salary in Abilene, TX offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Abilene, TX area with a job density of 10.322 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Abilene, TX