Cook Salary in Lubbock, TX
Cooks in Lubbock, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $13.37 per hour, which translates to about $534.80 per week, $2,317.47 per month, and $27,809.60 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Lubbock is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the culinary field in this area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Lubbock, TX?
The salary of a Cook in Lubbock varies depending on experience and employer, but below is a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.78 | $431.20 | $1,864.27 | $22,354.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.37 | $534.80 | $2,317.47 | $27,809.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $16.58 | $663.20 | $2,870.13 | $34,465.60 |
Do Cooks in Lubbock Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work takes place behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their earnings usually come solely from their wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Lubbock vs. National Average
The national average hourly wage for Cooks is around $14.50 per hour, with an annual salary averaging $30,160.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Lubbock earn slightly less at $13.37 per hour and $27,809.60 annually. This difference may be influenced by local economic factors and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lubbock for Cooks
Nearby areas offer somewhat higher wages for Cooks:
- Downtown Lubbock: $15.50 per hour
- South Lubbock: $17.60 per hour
Cooks working in South Lubbock can expect notably higher pay, possibly due to demand and types of establishments in that area.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Lubbock?
Several factors affect how much a Cook can earn in Lubbock:
- Experience: More years of kitchen experience generally lead to higher wages and better positions.
- Skills and Specializations: Expertise in cuisines or advanced cooking techniques can boost salary potential.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels often pays more than casual dining or fast food outlets.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening and weekend shifts may offer higher pay or shift differentials.
- Certifications: Food safety certifications can be required by employers and might improve job prospects.
How To Become a Cook in Lubbock
Starting a career as a Cook in Lubbock can involve the following steps:
- Education Programs: Pursue culinary-related studies at institutions like Texas Tech University, which offers programs in Hospitality and Retail Management, or at South Plains College, providing Culinary Arts courses focusing on food science and kitchen management.
- Certifications: Obtain certifications such as the National Food Handler Card, which is often required upon hire at places like Covenant Medical Center, and the widely recognized ServSafe Certification for food safety knowledge.
- Gain Experience: Build practical skills through entry-level kitchen positions or apprenticeships.
- Networking: Connect with local culinary professionals and explore internships or volunteering opportunities to enhance your employability.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Lubbock
Some of the prominent local employers recruiting Cooks include:
- Twin Peaks Restaurants
- Chili's
- Covenant Health
Establishments That Cooks in Lubbock Work At
Cooks in Lubbock typically find employment in diverse types of food service establishments, such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often offering mid-range pay with opportunities to learn diverse menus.
- Fast Casual and Quick-Service Restaurants: Usually entry-level positions with moderate wages, but valuable experience.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These can provide higher wages and tips due to upscale clientele and events.
- Healthcare Facilities and Institutions: Cooks in hospitals and care centers may have steady hours with competitive salaries.
The type of establishment impacts salary levels, with upscale and bulk food service operations generally paying more than smaller or fast-food places.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lubbock for Cooks
Professionals considering careers related to cooking might explore the following roles:
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Commis Chef, which share similar kitchen duties and may have overlapping salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Lubbock
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is critical for Cooks working in Lubbock:
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for details on workplace standards and rights.
- Check the State of Texas workforce and labor resources for state-specific regulations and support.
- The Local government website for Lubbock, TX provides information on local labor requirements and services.