Cook Salary in Amarillo, TX
Cooks in Amarillo, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Amarillo is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive job outlook and increasing opportunities within the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Amarillo, TX?
The salary of a Cook in Amarillo can vary depending on experience and employer, but here is a breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,933.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Cooks in Amarillo Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their work is generally behind the scenes in kitchen operations rather than direct customer interaction.
Cook Salary in Amarillo vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which translates to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to this, Cooks in Amarillo earn slightly less hourly at $13.90 and an annual salary around $28,912. This difference may reflect regional cost of living and demand variations.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Amarillo for Cooks
Nearby areas offer varied wages for Cooks:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Southwest Amarillo: $17.60 per hour
Cooks working in Southwest Amarillo can find notably higher pay compared to other local areas.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Amarillo?
Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with diverse culinary skills tend to command higher wages.
Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotel kitchens often results in better salaries compared to fast food or casual dining venues.
Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might carry shift differentials that increase pay.
Certifications and Training: Completion of culinary programs or certifications can enhance salary prospects.
How To Become a Cook in Amarillo
Entering the Cook profession in Amarillo involves a few key steps:
- Educational Programs: Amarillo College offers a comprehensive Culinary Arts Program providing essential hands-on and theoretical training.
- Relevant Degrees: Nearby Texas Tech University provides Hospitality and Retail Management programs which include courses beneficial for aspiring Cooks.
- Food Safety Certifications: Obtaining a ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and crucial for ensuring food safety compliance.
- Beverage Handling Certification: For those handling alcohol, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Certification is required.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Amarillo
- Red Lobster
- Chili's
- Aspen Creek Grill
Establishments That Cooks in Amarillo Work At
Cooks find employment across a variety of establishments in Amarillo, including casual dining, fast casual restaurants, and chain diners.
Typically, salary varies with the establishment type; fast casual places may offer moderate wages while upscale restaurants provide better earning potential due to skill requirements and clientele expectations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Amarillo for Cooks
There are several hospitality careers related to Cook that might interest those exploring similar roles:
These roles are Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Head Chef, respectively, which share culinary skills and often fall within similar salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Amarillo
Cooks in Amarillo should be knowledgeable about both state and federal labor laws and regulations to ensure fair working conditions and proper tax handling.
- On the Texas government website you can find comprehensive information related to labor laws and employment regulations.
- For federal regulations, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor's website as a valuable resource.