Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Cooks in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area earn an average annual salary of $28,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and economic factors specific to the region influence compensation for this role. The cost of living in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, being at the national average, suggests that salary differences are primarily driven by local demand and supply rather than affordability.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,610.
- Outlook: The restaurant cook job market in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, comprises approximately 2,400 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The presence of 8.244 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX earns-25.1%below the national average.
$13.6
$543
$2,353
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and evolving consumer dining habits likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially incremental, increase in compensation as businesses adapt to market demands and labor costs.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs or specialized cooks can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the career ladder, with senior roles offering greater responsibility and compensation, signifying clear opportunities for advancement within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,490 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,173 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,950 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,288 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,230 for Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower compared to national averages, its purchasing power locally is on par with the rest of the country, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services does not disproportionately strain the income of a cook in this area.
Job Market Context
2,400
Total Jobs
8.244
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX has 0.88x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, market for Cooks, Restaurant is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, it may not be a dominant industry sector within the region. The job market is likely competitive, with employers seeking qualified candidates, but not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,520↓ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is $28,230. This typically ranges from $20,490 for entry-level positions to $35,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 25.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $28,230 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700 for Cooks, Restaurant.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($27,520) and others.
How does the salary for Cooks in McAllen compare to the national average?
Cooks in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, earn an average of $28,230 annually, which is substantially lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.88, indicating slightly fewer jobs per capita compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX affect the salary?
The cost of living in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX, is at the national average (100). This means the lower salary is not offset by lower living expenses; it reflects local wage scales.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
There are approximately 2,400 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,400 employees in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area with a job density of 8.244 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 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX