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Food Service · Texas

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Texas

Cooks, Restaurants in Texas earn a median salary of $34,760/year, which is 7% below the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,298/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$35K
Median salary in Texas
-7%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
126,620
Employed in Texas

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Texas

Gross annual salary$34,760
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,497/mo
Median 2BR rent (Texas)-$1,199/mo
Rent as % of take-home48% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$34,760/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,298/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Texas

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant 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, restaurant 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, restaurants. 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 126,620 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Texas

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos$37K$17.7/hr13,000
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington$36K$17.54/hr34,430
Midland$36K$17.15/hr900
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands$35K$16.85/hr32,710
Odessa$35K$16.78/hr840
San Antonio-New Braunfels$35K$16.76/hr10,860
College Station-Bryan$33K$15.69/hr1,410
Sherman-Denison$32K$15.27/hr510
Waco$32K$15.14/hr1,140
Corpus Christi$31K$14.75/hr2,130
Amarillo$31K$14.69/hr1,300
Beaumont-Port Arthur$31K$14.67/hr1,480
Killeen-Temple$31K$14.67/hr1,340
Tyler$30K$14.57/hr1,050
Lubbock$30K$14.54/hr1,700

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Texas

10th percentile (entry)
$23K
25th percentile
$29K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$37K
90th percentile (senior)
$43K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Texas?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Texas is $34,760 per year ($16.71/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $23,330 to $42,810.

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

Cooks, Restaurant 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, restaurant afford to live in Texas?

At the median salary of $34,760, a cooks, restaurant in Texas would take home approximately $2,497/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,199/month, that's 48% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Texas?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Texas are Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($36,810), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($36,490), Midland ($35,670). 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, restaurants?

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