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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in El Paso, TX

Cooks in El Paso, TX, can expect an average annual salary of $29,380, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of local economic factors, the cost of doing business for restaurants in the region, and the overall demand for culinary professionals within the El Paso market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,970.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 3,500 Cooks, El Paso demonstrates a solid presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.12 suggests that this role is slightly more concentrated in El Paso than the national average, indicating a steady demand and a stable job market for restaurant cooks within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,380

The average Cooks, Restaurant in El Paso, TX earns-22.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.1

Weekly

$565

Monthly

$2,448

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in El Paso, TX

The salary progression for Cooks in El Paso typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,790$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,035$10.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,580$13.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,725$17.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,970$17.3

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,380

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $29,380 in El Paso aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within El Paso is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage.

Job Market Context

3,500

Total Jobs

10.522

Per 1K Jobs

1.12

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.12, El Paso, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

El Paso's Location Quotient of 1.12 indicates a slightly higher concentration of Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is robust and there is a healthy demand for culinary professionals, it may also imply a more competitive landscape for job seekers as the supply is relatively more abundant than the national benchmark.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Las Cruces, NM Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,760↑ 8%39 mi

Comparing salaries near El Paso, TX

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in El Paso, TX?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in El Paso, TX is $29,380. This typically ranges from $21,790 for entry-level positions to $35,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in El Paso, TX is 22.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is El Paso, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, El Paso, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,380 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained locally.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near El Paso, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Las Cruces, NM ($31,760) and others.

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

The average annual salary for a Cook in El Paso, TX is $29,380.

How does El Paso's Cook salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Cooks in El Paso, TX ($29,380) is lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in El Paso, TX?

The Cost of Living Index in El Paso, TX is 100, which is the same as the national average.

Is there high demand for Cooks in El Paso, TX?

With a Location Quotient of 1.12, there is a slightly higher concentration and thus steady demand for Cooks in El Paso compared 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 3,500 employees in the El Paso, TX area with a job density of 10.522 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 El Paso, TX