Restaurant Cook Salary in Texas
Based on 127K+ workers in Texas
Median Annual Salary (TX)
$34,760
$16.71/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-7.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$23K – $43K
127K employed in Texas
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Texas is $34,760 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 7.8% lower than the national average for this role. With a total of 126,620 employed individuals in this profession across the state, Texas offers a substantial job market for cooks.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Texas. These include the specific city or region within Texas, the type and size of the restaurant, and the individual's years of experience and culinary skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the range, around $23,330, while experienced chefs in high-demand areas could earn closer to $42,810.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Texas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $23,330 |
| 25th percentile | $28,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $34,760 |
| 75th percentile | $37,030 |
| 90th percentile | $42,810 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Texas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Texas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Texas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,803 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Texas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,760 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $35,803 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Texas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $34,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $37,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $42,810 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Texas
How other high-demand occupations in Texas compare to Restaurant Cook ($34,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in TX | $27,740 | -20.2% | $13.34/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in TX | $23,240 | -33.1% | $11.17/hr |
| Receptionist in TX | $35,210 | +1.3% | $16.93/hr |
| Security Guard in TX | $35,980 | +3.5% | $17.30/hr |
| Tutor in TX | $36,140 | +4.0% | $17.38/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in TX | $36,840 | +6.0% | $17.71/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in TX | $37,500 | +7.9% | $18.03/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in TX | $30,800 | -11.4% | $14.81/hr |
| Medical Assistant in TX | $39,520 | +13.7% | $19.00/hr |
| Cashier in TX | $29,230 | -15.9% | $14.05/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in TX | $40,420 | +16.3% | $19.43/hr |
| Construction Laborer in TX | $40,620 | +16.9% | $19.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in Texas?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Texas is $34,760 per year, equating to about $17 per hour. This median represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half earning more and half earning less.
How does the Texas Restaurant Cook salary compare to the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Texas is 7.8% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, cooks in Texas earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Texas?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Texas typically falls between $23,330 and $42,810 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Texas?
- There are a significant number of Restaurant Cooks employed in Texas, with the total number reaching 126,620. This indicates a robust job market for culinary professionals in the state.