Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Laredo, TX
In Laredo, TX, Cooks in restaurants can expect an average annual salary of $27,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation for this role within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,090 Cooks and a Location Quotient of 1.09, Laredo demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, demand for restaurant cooks within the city, suggesting a consistent job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Laredo, TX earns-28.0%below the national average.
$13.1
$522
$2,263
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Laredo's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive modest annual salary increases for most occupations, including restaurant cooks, as businesses adapt to maintain competitive wages and attract talent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Laredo, TX
Salary progression for Cooks in Laredo, TX, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,770 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,363 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,360 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,938 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,360 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $27,150 in Laredo, TX, 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 for cooks, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,090
Total Jobs
10.285
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Laredo, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Laredo's Location Quotient of 1.09 signifies a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks in Laredo is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce; it's relatively stable and reflects a demand that is in line with, or slightly above, national proportions for this occupation.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Laredo, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Laredo, TX is $27,150. This typically ranges from $18,770 for entry-level positions to $35,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Laredo, TX is 28.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Laredo, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks in Laredo is substantially lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.
Is Laredo, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Laredo, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Laredo's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Laredo, TX, is $27,150, which is considerably lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Laredo, TX for cooks?
Laredo, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many restaurant cooks are there in Laredo, TX?
There are approximately 1,090 Cooks employed in Laredo, TX, representing about 10.285 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in Laredo?
Yes, like most professions, a cook's salary in Laredo will increase with experience, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,090 employees in the Laredo, TX area with a job density of 10.285 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 Laredo, TX