Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Cooks in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions may influence compensation in this region. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,970.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area boasts a substantial workforce of 32,020 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average, indicating a robust and stable demand for culinary professionals within this large metropolitan hub. This suggests a healthy job market with consistent opportunities for skilled cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-11.8%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,772
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Houston is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving culinary landscapes likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for experienced professionals in this field.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the top percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,430 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,945 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,760 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,575 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,970 | $20.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,260 for Cooks in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses compared to the national benchmark. While this offers stability, it also implies that substantial savings may require careful budgeting or seeking higher-paying opportunities.
Job Market Context
32,020
Total Jobs
9.864
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX market shows a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand is present and slightly exceeds the national distribution. While not an exceptionally high concentration, it indicates a healthy environment for job seekers and a consistent need for culinary talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,720↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,960↓ 7% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $33,260. This typically ranges from $25,430 for entry-level positions to $42,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 11.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,260 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates comparable purchasing power but not necessarily higher earning potential.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($31,720) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the Houston salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $33,260, which is approximately $4,440 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in Houston?
A Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a marginally stronger local demand.
Does the Cost of Living in Houston affect the Cook salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $33,260 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without significant impact from local living costs.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
There are approximately 32,020 Cooks, Restaurant positions within the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 32,020 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 9.864 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX