Cook Salary in Grand Prairie, TX
Cooks in Grand Prairie, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $18.00 per hour, which translates to about $720.00 per week, $3,120.00 per month, and $37,440.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Grand Prairie is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job outlook and expanding opportunities in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Grand Prairie, TX?
The salary of a Cook in Grand Prairie varies by experience level and skill, with entry-level workers earning less and highly experienced Cooks earning more.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.00 | $640.00 | $2,773.33 | $33,280.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $21.00 | $840.00 | $3,640.00 | $43,680.00 |
Do Cooks in Grand Prairie Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips since their work is mostly behind the scenes and not customer-facing. Their income is primarily from their hourly wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Grand Prairie vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, translating to roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Grand Prairie earn significantly more, with about $18.00 per hour and $37,440 annually, reflecting higher local wages in this role.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Grand Prairie for Cooks
Nearby areas around Grand Prairie offer slightly different pay rates for Cooks:
- Downtown Grand Prairie: $19.00 per hour
- South Grand Prairie: $20.00 per hour
Cooks working in South Grand Prairie tend to earn the highest wages among nearby regions.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Grand Prairie?
Several factors can influence how much a Cook earns in Grand Prairie, TX:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with diverse culinary skills typically command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries vary widely depending on whether the Cook works in a casual diner, fine dining restaurant, or fast food outlet.
- Certifications: Holding culinary certifications or completing advanced training can boost salary prospects.
- Work Hours and Shift Differentials: Evening or weekend shifts might offer additional pay.
- Location: Wages differ across neighborhoods and nearby cities, as seen with higher earnings in South Grand Prairie.
How To Become a Cook in Grand Prairie
Starting a career as a Cook in Grand Prairie involves several key steps to build skills and qualifications:
- Pursue Culinary Training: Enroll in culinary arts classes such as those offered at The Epic in Grand Prairie, which provides hands-on cooking education suitable for all skill levels.
- Obtain Necessary Certifications: Acquire a Food Handler's Permit, mandatory in Texas, ensuring knowledge of safe food practices.
- Consider Professional Certifications: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation is a good entry-level certification to demonstrate proficiency.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working in kitchens, restaurants, or catering can help build practical skills and improve job prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Grand Prairie
Some of the top employers actively hiring Cooks in Grand Prairie include:
- First Watch
- On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina
- American Addiction Centers
Establishments That Cooks in Grand Prairie Work At
Cooks in Grand Prairie find employment in various types of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Typically offer steady work but moderate wages; skilled Cooks may move up to kitchen leadership roles.
- Fast Casual Outlets: Often have higher turnover but can provide flexible hours and competitive pay.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Usually offer higher wages and benefits due to larger operations.
- Specialty or Ethnic Restaurants: May pay more for Cooks with expertise in particular cuisines.
The type of establishment can significantly impact a Cook’s salary, with upscale venues generally paying more than fast-food chains.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Grand Prairie for Cooks
If you’re interested in similar roles related to cooking, consider the following careers:
These include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Chef de Partie—positions that require various levels of culinary expertise and offer different salary potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Grand Prairie
Cooks should be aware of labor laws and tax requirements relevant to working in Texas.
- Information on state labor laws can be found on the Texas government website, which covers minimum wage, overtime, and employment regulations.
- For federal labor standards, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website to learn about workplace safety, wages, and worker rights.