Prep Cook Salary in Texas City, TX
Prep Cooks in Texas City, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $12.68 per hour, which translates to about $507.20 per week, $2,197.87 per month, and $26,374.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Texas City is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy job market with expanding opportunities for those interested in this foundational culinary role.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Texas City, TX?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Texas City can vary based on experience and employer, but here is a general breakdown across different experience levels.
| 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) | $12.68 | $507.20 | $2,197.87 | $26,374.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Texas City Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks usually do not earn tips as they primarily work behind the scenes preparing ingredients and supporting kitchen operations rather than direct customer service. Their income is typically limited to their wage or salary.
Prep Cook Salary in Texas City vs. National Average
Across the United States, Prep Cooks earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, or roughly $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Texas City earn slightly less hourly at $12.68 per hour and $26,374 annually.
This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and the regional demand for culinary staff.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Texas City for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer the following pay rates for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown: $14.00 per hour
- Waterfront District: $13.50 per hour
Those willing to commute to Downtown can find the highest pay near Texas City, while Waterfront District also offers competitive wages.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Texas City?
Several factors impact how much a Prep Cook can earn in Texas City:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Prep Cooks who are proficient in efficient kitchen preparation and food safety usually command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and catering companies often pay more than fast-food or casual dining chains.
- Certifications: Food safety certifications, such as ServSafe, add value and can lead to better pay.
- Shift Schedules: Working night or weekend shifts may yield shift differentials increasing overall compensation.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Texas City
Starting a career as a Prep Cook involves a mix of education, certification, and practical experience:
- Enroll in culinary arts programs such as the College of the Mainland Culinary Arts Program, which offers hands-on training ideal for entry-level cooks.
- The Galveston College Culinary Arts Program is another excellent option providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Obtain essential certifications like the nationally recognized ServSafe Food Handler Certification or state-specific Texas Food Handler Certification to meet food safety requirements.
- Gain experience through internships or entry-level cooking positions to build skills and improve employability.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Texas City
Some of the leading employers recruiting Prep Cooks in Texas City include:
- Sodexo
- Sodalis Senior Living
- Summit Food Service
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Texas City Work At
Prep Cooks typically find work in a range of food service settings in Texas City:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer stable opportunities, with pay varying by the establishment's scale.
- Fast Casual Places: Usually provide moderate salaries with high-volume kitchen experience.
- Hotels and Resorts: Tend to offer higher wages and benefits reflecting the upscale nature of service.
- Catering Companies: Often demand flexible schedules and allow for growth to higher kitchen roles.
The nature of the establishment can significantly affect salary and advancement opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Texas City for Prep Cooks
If you're exploring career paths related to being a Prep Cook, consider the following similar roles:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Commis Chef — positions offering related culinary duties with different pay scales and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Texas City
It is important for Prep Cooks in Texas City to understand both federal and Texas state labor laws that impact employment:
- Access comprehensive federal labor regulations on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific labor laws and employment resources, visit the Texas Workforce Commission's official site.