Chef Salary in El Paso, TX
Chefs in El Paso, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $22.35 per hour, which translates to about $894.00 per week, $3,874.00 per month, and $46,488.00 per year.
The demand for Chefs in El Paso is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a healthy and expanding job market for culinary professionals in this vibrant Texas city.
How Much Does a Chef Make in El Paso, TX?
The salary of a Chef in El Paso varies by experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of typical earnings across different stages of a Chef’s career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.62 | $784.80 | $3,393.20 | $40,704.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.35 | $894.00 | $3,874.00 | $46,488.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.06 | $1,042.40 | $4,515.73 | $54,204.80 |
Do Chefs in El Paso Earn Tips?
Chefs in El Paso typically do not earn tips as their role is focused in the kitchen rather than direct customer service. Their income is primarily derived from their base salary.
Chef Salary in El Paso vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $24.04 per hour, which comes out to about $50,003 per year.
Compared to the national average, Chefs in El Paso earn slightly less at around $22.35 per hour and $46,488 annually. This difference can be influenced by local cost of living, demand, and the types of establishments hiring in the region.
Highest-Paying Areas Near El Paso for Chefs
Within the vicinity of El Paso, pay rates for Chefs vary slightly based on the neighborhood:
- Downtown: $23.50 per hour
- West Side: $24.00 per hour
Chefs working in the West Side area tend to earn the highest hourly wages locally, reflecting perhaps a concentration of higher-end dining options there.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in El Paso?
Several factors influence how much a Chef can earn in El Paso:
- Experience and Skill Level: Chefs with specialized culinary skills, such as ethnic cuisines or pastry arts, and those with years of kitchen leadership experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, hotels, and resorts usually offer better pay compared to casual dining or fast-food establishments.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary training and certifications, including those in food safety, can enhance salary potential.
- Leadership Role: Chefs who act as Kitchen Managers or Executive Chefs tend to command higher salaries.
- Shift and Hours: Working nights, weekends, or holidays may involve differential pay.
How To Become a Chef in El Paso
Starting a career as a Chef in El Paso involves a mix of education, training, and practical experience:
- Pursue Formal Culinary Education: Enroll in programs like the El Paso Community College Culinary Arts Program, offering an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts focused on hands-on skills and kitchen theory. Alternatively, the University of Texas at El Paso Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management Program provides a Bachelor of Science degree with hospitality and culinary operations training.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are nationally recognized and often required by employers. Additionally, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Certification is necessary for chefs working in establishments serving alcohol to ensure compliance with state laws.
- Gain Work Experience: Many Chefs start as line cooks or kitchen assistants, learning on the job while working their way up.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in El Paso
El Paso has a thriving hospitality scene with several key employers looking for talented Chefs:
- Hotel Paso Del Norte
- The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park
- Cattleman's Steakhouse
- Anson11
- L&J Cafe
Establishments That Chefs in El Paso Work At
Chefs in El Paso are employed across a variety of culinary environments, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Typically offer the highest salaries due to the skill level and presentation standards demanded.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger venues often provide competitive pay and benefits, along with diverse menu responsibilities.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These establishments may pay less but offer steady employment and opportunities to hone various cooking techniques.
- Catering Companies: Chefs may enjoy flexible schedules but the pay varies widely.
The type of establishment directly influences the earning potential, with fine dining and hotel kitchens generally providing the best compensation for Chefs in this city.
Related Hospitality Jobs in El Paso for Chefs
If you are considering roles similar to a Chef, you might explore these related career paths that share culinary and managerial skills:
These include Executive Chef, Head Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, each with unique responsibilities but close ties to culinary leadership.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in El Paso
Understanding local and federal labor laws and tax requirements is important for Chefs working in El Paso.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive employment standards.
- The Texas Workforce Commission provides information and resources regarding state employment laws.
- The Local government website of El Paso offers city-specific regulations and workforce support.