📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in Texas (2026)

Texas · 5.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$34,466
per year
Median
$31,616
per year
Hourly
$16.57
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$24,396
25th Percentile — Junior$29,716
50th Percentile — Median$31,616
75th Percentile — Senior$41,686
90th Percentile — Top Earners$45,693
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in Texas make up to $45,693 per year. The job market in Texas is rated strong, with key industries including Energy, Technology, Healthcare.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$30.5k
2021
$31.2k
2022
$32.0k
2023
$32.8k
2024
$33.6k
2025
$34.5k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in Texas have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Texas's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in Texas
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Houston $33,432 -3.0% High
San Antonio $31,019 -10.0% High
Dallas $34,121 -1.0% High
Austin $37,223 +8.0% High
Fort Worth $33,087 -4.0% High
El Paso $28,262 -18.0% High
Arlington $33,432 -3.0% High
Corpus Christi $29,985 -13.0% High
Plano $35,155 +2.0% High
Laredo $27,573 -20.0% High
Lubbock $28,262 -18.0% High
Garland $32,743 -5.0% High
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in Texas
Key factors affecting compensation

Texas is home to a strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Energy, Technology, Healthcare — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $34,466 per year, Texas's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Texas (index: 0.95) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Texas can expect to earn $24,396–$29,716, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $41,686–$45,693.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in Texas is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in Texas is $34,466 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% below the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in Texas due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Texas has a strong job market with major industries in Energy, Technology, Healthcare. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $34,466/year, Texas Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average of $36,280/year.