Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Cooks in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area earn an average annual salary of $27,520. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,520 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.03, the job market in Brownsville-Harlingen shows a slight concentration compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-27.0%below the national average.
$13.2
$529
$2,293
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing operational costs for establishments. This trend likely applies to the Brownsville-Harlingen market as well, though perhaps at a different pace than national averages.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in a Cook's earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized cooks can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect these progression opportunities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,510 | $9.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,640 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,640 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,400 | $16.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,280 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $27,520 in Brownsville-Harlingen 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, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
1,520
Total Jobs
9.661
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Brownsville-Harlingen is just slightly above the national average. This indicates a healthy, competitive market where job opportunities are present but not overwhelmingly abundant, requiring professionals to be skilled and adaptable.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,230↑ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $27,520. This typically ranges from $19,510 for entry-level positions to $35,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 27.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $27,520 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($28,230) and others.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
With 9.661 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Brownsville-Harlingen area has a slightly higher concentration of Cook positions than the national average, suggesting a steady demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in Brownsville-Harlingen?
A Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that the employment of Cooks, Restaurant is 3% more concentrated in Brownsville-Harlingen than the national average, implying a slightly stronger local industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Brownsville-Harlingen affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower average salary of $27,520 means that the purchasing power of a Cook's earnings in this area is equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Brownsville-Harlingen?
There are approximately 1,520 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area, contributing to the local culinary workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,520 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 9.661 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX