SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Texas

Cooks in restaurants across Texas earn an average annual salary of $33,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics within Texas play a significant role in determining compensation for this vital role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,360.
  • Outlook: The Texas market for Cooks, Restaurant is substantial, employing approximately 125,880 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and robust demand for culinary professionals throughout the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,250

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Texas earns-11.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16

Weekly

$639

Monthly

$2,771

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Texas

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Texas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$23,430$11.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,938$12
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,050$16.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,563$20
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,360$20.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,753

Adjusted for COL (93)

The nominal average salary of $33,250 in Texas presents a favorable situation when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 93, which is 7% below the national average, the purchasing power of a Texas-based cook's salary is effectively enhanced, making the nominal income stretch further.

Job Market Context

125,880

Total Jobs

9.091

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Texas has 0.97x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Texas is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet accessible market, where the demand for these professionals is well-balanced with the supply of available workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Killeen-Temple, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,960↓ 10%10 mi
Waco, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,010↓ 7%41 mi
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,200↑ 9%53 mi
College Station-Bryan, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,960↓ 7%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Texas

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Texas is $33,250. This typically ranges from $23,430 for entry-level positions to $43,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 11.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is lower, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Texas ($33,250) falls below the national average ($37,700).

Is Texas a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($29,960) and Waco, TX.

How does the Texas salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Restaurant?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Texas is $33,250, which is approximately $4,450 less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in Texas?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.97, indicating that the proportion of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Texas is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Texas affect a Cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (100 being the national average), Texas offers a lower cost of living, meaning the $33,250 salary has greater purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living area.

How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in Texas?

Texas has a significant workforce of Cooks, Restaurant, with approximately 125,880 individuals employed in this role.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 125,880 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 9.091 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 Texas