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Food Service · Texas

How to Become a Cooks, Fast Food in Texas

Cooks, Fast Foods in Texas earn a median salary of $24,390/year, which is 19% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, fast food takes home approximately $387/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$24K
Median salary in Texas
-19%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
31,120
Employed in Texas

What a cooks, fast food can afford in Texas

Gross annual salary$24,390
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$1,799/mo
Median 2BR rent (Texas)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home78.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$24,390/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$387/mo

Becoming a cooks, fast food in Texas

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Fast Food positions in Texas typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, fast food positions in Texas require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Texas licensure or certification

Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, fast foods. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Texas

Texas employs 31,120 cooks, fast foods. The highest concentrations are in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington.

Cooks, Fast Food salary by metro area in Texas

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos$30K$14.35/hr2,750
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington$29K$13.97/hr4,200
Midland$29K$13.72/hr320
Longview$28K$13.43/hr400
Odessa$28K$13.38/hr270
San Antonio-New Braunfels$27K$13.16/hr2,670
Sherman-Denison$27K$12.99/hr220
Waco$27K$12.8/hr510
Killeen-Temple$27K$12.76/hr550
Corpus Christi$26K$12.55/hr530
Abilene$26K$12.54/hr270
San Angelo$25K$12.22/hr170
El Paso$25K$11.9/hr1,100
Brownsville-Harlingen$24K$11.46/hr490
Texarkana$23K$11.16/hr230

Cooks, Fast Food salary range in Texas

10th percentile (entry)
$20K
25th percentile
$22K
Median (50th)
$24K
75th percentile
$29K
90th percentile (senior)
$35K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, fast food make in Texas?

The median cooks, fast food salary in Texas is $24,390 per year ($11.73/hr). This is 19% below the national median of $30,160. Salaries range from $20,150 to $35,160.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, fast food in Texas?

Cooks, Fast Food positions in Texas typically require No formal educational credential. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, fast food afford to live in Texas?

At the median salary of $24,390, a cooks, fast food in Texas would take home approximately $1,799/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 78.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, fast foods in Texas?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, fast foods in Texas are Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($29,850), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($29,050), Midland ($28,530). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Texas have state income tax for cooks, fast foods?

No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, fast foods keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.