Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wichita Falls, TX
In Wichita Falls, TX, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $29,770. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of doing business contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for culinary professionals in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,850.
- Outlook: The Wichita Falls market for Cooks, Restaurant is moderately concentrated, with a local workforce of 540 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates a presence that is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the city's economy. While not experiencing explosive growth, the steady employment numbers point to a reliable job market for culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX earns-21.0%below the national average.
$14.3
$573
$2,481
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita Falls is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most sectors, including the food service industry, ensuring that compensation remains somewhat aligned with the rising cost of living and operational expenses.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wichita Falls, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication, skill development, and leadership within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,190 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,328 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,620 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,213 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,850 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX, stands at $29,770. This nominal income is situated against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary in Wichita Falls is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
9.489
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Wichita Falls, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX, is remarkably aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy and balanced presence of these roles relative to the overall workforce. The market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, indicating a competitive but stable environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,880↑ 0% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita Falls, TX
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wichita Falls, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX is $29,770. This typically ranges from $21,190 for entry-level positions to $36,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita Falls, TX is 21.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wichita Falls, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,770 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Wichita Falls, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita Falls, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita Falls, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawton, OK ($29,880) and others.
How does the Wichita Falls Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls, TX is $29,770, which is approximately $7,930 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Wichita Falls, TX?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.01, indicating that the employment of Cooks, Restaurant in Wichita Falls is very close to the national average proportion.
How does the cost of living in Wichita Falls, TX affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wichita Falls matches the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary of $29,770 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Wichita Falls, TX?
There are approximately 540 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Wichita Falls, TX, representing about 9.489 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Wichita Falls, TX area with a job density of 9.489 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 Wichita Falls, TX