Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
Cooks in Texarkana, TX-AR earn an average annual salary of $29,510, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services and the prevailing wage scales within the region's specific labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.16, Texarkana exhibits a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for culinary professionals within the area, indicating a consistent job market for those in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Texarkana, TX-AR earns-21.7%below the national average.
$14.2
$568
$2,459
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Texarkana's culinary sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Cooks have likely seen incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for restaurants, and a general upward pressure on wages to attract and retain skilled staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Texarkana, TX-AR
Salary progression for Cooks in Texarkana, TX-AR, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might hover around the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries signifies the potential for career advancement and increased earning power as one gains expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,810 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,133 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,000 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,888 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,900 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,510 in Texarkana, TX-AR, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective income comparable in terms of daily expenses.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
10.955
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Texarkana, TX-AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.16 indicates that Texarkana, TX-AR, has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant, jobs relative to its overall workforce when compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present and slightly more pronounced than in a typical U.S. city, potentially offering more opportunities than a location with a lower LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,960↓ 2% | 70 mi |
| Longview, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,740↑ 1% | 75 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,930↑ 1% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Texarkana, TX-AR
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Texarkana, TX-AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Texarkana, TX-AR is $29,510. This typically ranges from $22,810 for entry-level positions to $35,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texarkana, TX-AR is 21.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Texarkana, TX-AR 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 Texarkana is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Texarkana, TX-AR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Texarkana, TX-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texarkana, TX-AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Shreveport-Bossier City, LA ($28,960) and Longview, TX.
How does Texarkana's Cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Texarkana, TX-AR, earn an average of $29,510 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Texarkana, TX-AR?
Texarkana, TX-AR, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning everyday expenses are neither cheaper nor more expensive than the typical U.S. city.
How many Cooks are employed in Texarkana, TX-AR?
There are approximately 630 Cooks employed in Texarkana, TX-AR, representing about 10.955 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Cooks strong in Texarkana, TX-AR?
The market shows a slightly higher concentration of Cooks than the national average (LQ of 1.16), suggesting a stable demand, but the lower average salary indicates it may not be a high-growth or exceptionally robust market for earning potential.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Texarkana, TX-AR area with a job density of 10.955 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Texarkana, TX-AR
- All Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Production Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Management Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Texarkana, TX-AR
- Browse All Jobs in Texarkana, TX-AR →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Texarkana, TX-AR