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Food Service · Texas

How to Become a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Texas

Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Texas earn a median salary of $32,780/year, which is 10% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, institution and cafeteria takes home approximately $953/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$33K
Median salary in Texas
-10%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
35,110
Employed in Texas

What a cooks, institution and cafeteria can afford in Texas

Gross annual salary$32,780
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,365/mo
Median 2BR rent (Texas)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home59.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$32,780/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$953/mo

Becoming a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Texas

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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, institution and cafeteria 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, institution and cafeterias. 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 35,110 cooks, institution and cafeterias. The highest concentrations are in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos and Midland.

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary by metro area in Texas

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos$37K$17.6/hr2,770
Midland$36K$17.35/hr120
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington$36K$17.13/hr9,350
Sherman-Denison$35K$16.61/hr240
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands$34K$16.15/hr7,470
San Angelo$32K$15.6/hr160
College Station-Bryan$32K$15.3/hr550
Amarillo$31K$15.11/hr330
San Antonio-New Braunfels$31K$15.09/hr3,070
Waco$31K$15.06/hr510
Abilene$31K$14.92/hr290
Lubbock$30K$14.64/hr370
Wichita Falls$30K$14.53/hr230
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission$30K$14.38/hr790
Beaumont-Port Arthur$30K$14.25/hr260

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary range in Texas

10th percentile (entry)
$23K
25th percentile
$28K
Median (50th)
$33K
75th percentile
$38K
90th percentile (senior)
$43K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, institution and cafeteria make in Texas?

The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Texas is $32,780 per year ($15.76/hr). This is 10% below the national median of $36,450. Salaries range from $23,000 to $42,900.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Texas?

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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, institution and cafeteria afford to live in Texas?

At the median salary of $32,780, a cooks, institution and cafeteria in Texas would take home approximately $2,365/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 59.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, institution and cafeterias in Texas?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, institution and cafeterias in Texas are Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($36,620), Midland ($36,100), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($35,630). 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, institution and cafeterias?

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