Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
In the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area, Short Order Cooks earn an average annual salary of $31,190. This figure falls below the national average of $35,650, indicating a localized pay structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for this role within the Texas market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,180.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 560 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.18, the job market for Short Order Cooks in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, appears to be less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a moderate demand relative to the overall employment landscape, with opportunities available but not overwhelmingly abundant.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-12.5%below the national average.
$15
$600
$2,599
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Houston is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled positions like Short Order Cooks tend to experience modest annual growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for culinary services, and the need for experienced professionals, suggesting a positive, albeit potentially slow, upward trend in earnings over the past four years.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Salary progression for Short Order Cooks typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding those who advance their expertise and take on greater responsibilities within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,520 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,393 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,710 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,988 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,180 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,190 for Short Order Cooks in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the region is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
0.174
Per 1K Jobs
0.18
Location Quotient
At 0.18x, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.18 for Short Order Cooks in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, indicates that this occupation is significantly less concentrated in the region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job exists, it is not a dominant sector, potentially leading to a less competitive market for employers seeking these workers, but also fewer specialized opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $31,190. This typically ranges from $22,520 for entry-level positions to $37,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 12.5% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary for Short Order Cooks in this region is below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the number of local workers affect job prospects?
With 560 local workers in this role, the market size is moderate. A lower Location Quotient suggests that while jobs exist, they are not as prevalent as in other regions, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for employers.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 0.174 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the relative prevalence of Short Order Cook positions within the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX labor force. This low number further supports the idea that this is not a highly concentrated occupation in the area.
How does experience impact a Short Order Cook's salary in Houston?
While specific data isn't provided, generally, more experienced Short Order Cooks with advanced culinary skills and potentially supervisory roles can expect to earn significantly more than entry-level positions, moving up through various pay percentiles.
Are there many opportunities for Short Order Cooks in Houston?
The market is not heavily concentrated, as indicated by the Location Quotient. While opportunities exist, the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration of food service establishments relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.174 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX