Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Waco, TX
Cooks in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $31,010, 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 Waco metropolitan area. Understanding these local nuances is key to assessing compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,770.
- Outlook: The Waco culinary job market for Cooks, Restaurant, shows a stable presence with a local workforce of 1,100 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in Waco is slightly below the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area. The rate of 8.441 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies this picture of a consistent employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Waco, TX earns-17.7%below the national average.
$14.9
$596
$2,584
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waco's restaurant cooks is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for restaurants, and a growing appreciation for skilled culinary professionals likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, albeit at a pace that may vary locally.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant, in Waco, TX, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the lowest paid to the highest earners, represent the career trajectory and the increasing value placed on expertise and responsibility within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,090 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,258 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,940 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,763 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,770 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,010 for Cooks in Waco, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Waco cook's salary is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a location with average living expenses. Therefore, while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
8.441
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.90x 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 0.9, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant, in Waco, TX, is neither exceptionally concentrated nor scarce compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced market where opportunities exist, but the demand is not significantly outstripping the supply of qualified professionals. Employers likely have a reasonable pool of candidates to draw from, and competition for roles may be moderate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,630↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,790↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,260↓ 2% | 41 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,550↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,160↓ 3% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Waco, TX is $31,010. This typically ranges from $22,090 for entry-level positions to $36,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 17.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Waco, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $31,010 is below the national average, and the job market concentration is slightly below the national average, indicating moderate demand.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($30,630) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's cost of living compare to the national average?
Waco, TX, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Waco is comparable to the national average.
What is the concentration of restaurant cooks in Waco compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant, in Waco is 0.9, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in Waco than the national average. This suggests a slightly lower relative demand for these roles compared to other jobs in the area.
How many restaurant cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Waco?
In Waco, TX, there are approximately 8.441 jobs for Cooks, Restaurant, per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Waco?
Waco, TX, has a total local workforce of approximately 1,100 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 8.441 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 Waco, TX