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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lubbock, TX

Cooks in Lubbock, TX, earn an average annual salary of $30,400, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by the local economic landscape and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the Lubbock area. Factors such as the cost of doing business for restaurants and the overall wage structure in the region contribute to this localized pay rate.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,130.
  • Outlook: The culinary job market in Lubbock, TX, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.2, indicating a slightly higher presence of restaurant cooks compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 1,880 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for skilled cooks within the city's dining establishments.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,400

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lubbock, TX earns-19.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.6

Weekly

$585

Monthly

$2,533

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lubbock, TX

Salary progression for Cooks in Lubbock, TX, is significantly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and leadership capabilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as cooks hone their craft and take on greater responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,650$10.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,800$11
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,380$14.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,000$18.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,130$17.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $30,400 for Cooks in Lubbock, 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, the purchasing power of that salary in Lubbock is comparable to the national standard. Consequently, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced quality of life in terms of everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

1,880

Total Jobs

11.347

Per 1K Jobs

1.2

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.20, Lubbock, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.2, Lubbock, TX, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks in Lubbock is relatively robust and potentially more competitive than in areas with a lower LQ. Employers may find a good pool of local talent, but job seekers can also find a decent number of opportunities within the city.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lubbock, TX is $30,400. This typically ranges from $22,650 for entry-level positions to $36,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lubbock, TX is 19.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.

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

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Lubbock is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.

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

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

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Lubbock, TX has 11.347 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which provides a localized metric for job availability relative to the overall workforce.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in Lubbock?

An LQ of 1.2 means that the concentration of restaurant cooks in Lubbock is 20% higher than the national average, indicating a slightly more prevalent role for this profession in the local economy.

How does Lubbock's cost of living affect the Cook salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lubbock's cost of living is average nationally. This means the $30,400 salary, while lower than the national average, has average purchasing power within the city.

What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Lubbock?

There are approximately 1,880 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Lubbock, TX, representing the local workforce size for this occupation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,880 employees in the Lubbock, TX area with a job density of 11.347 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 Lubbock, TX