Cook Salary in El-Paso, TX
Cooks in El-Paso, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $11.62 per hour, which translates to about $464.80 per week, $2,014.13 per month, and $24,169.60 per year.
The demand for Cooks in El-Paso is showing a positive trend with a 5% growth per year, which indicates a promising job outlook and rising opportunities in the culinary field within the region.
How Much Does a Cook Make in El-Paso, TX?
The salary for Cooks in El-Paso varies with experience and skill level. Below is a general breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $8.82 | $352.80 | $1,523.20 | $18,297.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $11.62 | $464.80 | $2,014.13 | $24,169.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.32 | $612.80 | $2,643.73 | $31,785.60 |
Do Cooks in El-Paso Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their role usually involves preparing food behind the scenes. Their earnings mostly come from their hourly wage without additional tip income.
Cook Salary in El-Paso, TX vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour and approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in El-Paso earn a lower hourly rate at $11.62 per hour and an annual salary of $24,169.60. This difference may reflect differences in cost of living and local demand for culinary services.
Highest-Paying Areas Near El-Paso for Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Cooks:
- Downtown: $12.50 per hour
- Westside: $13.00 per hour
Cooks working in Westside can expect higher wages compared to those in Downtown, reflecting local economic variations within the region.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in El-Paso?
Several factors affect how much a Cook can earn in El-Paso:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with specialized skills often earn better wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels tend to offer higher pay compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Work Hours: Night shifts or weekend work may come with additional pay premiums.
- Certifications and Training: Completion of culinary courses or food safety certifications can enhance earning potential.
- Location: Working in higher-paying neighborhoods or commercial hubs boosts salary.
How To Become a Cook in El-Paso
Here are the key steps to enter the Cook profession in El-Paso:
- Obtain Food Handler's Permit: Required by Texas state for all food service employees, ensuring safe food handling practices.
- Get ServSafe Certification: A nationally recognized certification that enhances knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
- Consider Training at Texas Culinary Institute: Located in El Paso, this institute offers hands-on cooking classes for various skill levels, helping develop practical culinary skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in El-Paso
Some of the well-known local employers recruiting Cooks include:
- Whataburger
- Church's Chicken
- Panda Express
Establishments That Cooks in El-Paso Work At
Cooks usually work in a variety of foodservice settings such as:
- Fast Food Chains: Offer steady work hours but lower pay compared to other types.
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often pay moderately and provide a wider variety of tasks.
- Hotels and Banquet Halls: Typically offer higher wages and opportunities for skill development.
- Catering Services: Can pay well and often require versatility and efficiency.
The type of establishment deeply influences a Cook's salary based on the clientele, service level, and complexity of menu preparation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in El-Paso for Cooks
If you're interested in roles similar to Cook, consider these related careers:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Head Chef, all involving culinary skills with varying responsibilities and salary scales.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in El-Paso
Cooks should be familiar with labor laws and tax guidelines that affect their employment in Texas.
- Official state labor laws and employment information can be accessed through the Texas government website.
- For federal labor regulations and worker rights, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's website.