Cook Salary in Pearland, TX
Cooks in Pearland, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $15.13 per hour, which translates to about $605.20 per week, $2,622.53 per month, and $31,470.40 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Pearland is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook with expanding opportunities in the food preparation industry locally.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Pearland, TX?
The salary of a Cook in Pearland, TX, can vary based on experience level and employer, but here is a general overview of earnings at different career stages.
| 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 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,947.33 | $35,360.00 |
Do Cooks in Pearland Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips because their work is behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their compensation mainly comes from their base salary rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Pearland vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which amounts to approximately $30,160 per year.
Comparatively, Cooks in Pearland earn slightly higher at about $15.13 per hour and $31,470.40 annually, showing a moderately better earning potential locally than the national aggregate.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Pearland for Cooks
Nearby areas to Pearland offer significantly higher salaries for Cooks, including:
- Friendswood: $31.91 per hour
- Bellaire: $31.25 per hour
These locations may offer much higher pay due to different local market dynamics and employer types.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Pearland?
The salary of a Cook in Pearland can be influenced by several key factors:
- Experience: More experienced Cooks generally command higher wages due to their greater skills and efficiency.
- Skill Set: Specialized cooking skills or knowledge of specific cuisines can improve salary prospects.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants, hotels, and catering services tend to pay more than fast food or casual dining.
- Shift Hours: Working night shifts or holidays might come with premium pay.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: Economic conditions in Pearland and surrounding regions impact pay levels.
How To Become a Cook in Pearland
Aspiring Cooks looking to work in Pearland can take several steps to enhance their career opportunities:
- Enroll in Culinary Education Programs: Institutions nearby like San Jacinto College Culinary Arts Program and Houston Community College Culinary Arts Program offer valuable training and degrees to build foundational skills.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are essential for compliance and food safety knowledge.
- Gain Entry-Level Experience: Positions such as kitchen assistants or prep cooks provide hands-on training.
- Consider Certification: The Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can enhance credentials and job prospects for entry-level Cooks.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Pearland
Major employers actively hiring Cooks in Pearland include:
- Taylor Smith Consulting
- Morrison Healthcare
- First Watch
- Cracker Barrel
- Sodexo
Establishments That Cooks in Pearland Work At
Cooks in Pearland generally find employment in a variety of establishments:
- Casual Dining: Offers steady work and moderate salaries.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Positions here usually have faster-paced environments with slightly lower wages than fine dining.
- Hotels and Resorts: These can offer higher salaries and benefits along with more structure.
- Catering Companies: Often provide opportunities for varied work and sometimes higher wages.
The salary a Cook earns often depends on the type and prestige of the establishment, with upscale locations tending to pay more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Pearland for Cooks
If you are interested in related roles, here are some similar positions in the hospitality industry:
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Head Chef, which share many culinary skills but differ in responsibilities and salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Pearland
Cooks in Pearland should be familiar with both Texas state and federal labor laws to protect their employment rights and understand tax obligations.
- Information on Texas labor regulations can be found on the Texas government website.
- For federal labor laws and standards, the U.S. Department of Labor website provides comprehensive resources.