Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Dallas, TX

In Dallas, TX, cooks working in the fast-food industry typically earn a median annual salary of $29,050, which translates to a median hourly wage of $13.97. This is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $30,160. When compared to the area's median household income of $87,155, it becomes evident that fast-food cooks in Dallas earn significantly less than the average local household. With an estimated employment of 4,200 individuals within this sector, these workers are part of a competitive job market influenced by a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.90%.

Entry-level cooks tend to earn near or below the 10th percentile mark at $23,810 annually, reflecting their nascent skills and limited experience in the industry. In contrast, experienced fast-food cooks who have advanced through the ranks can expect earnings closer to the 75th percentile, around $32,230 per year, with some reaching up to the 90th percentile earning as much as $37,570. The difference in pay between entry-level and seasoned workers is driven by factors such as increased skill proficiency, efficiency, ability to handle more complex tasks, and sometimes leadership roles within their teams. This progression in salary underscores the importance of experience and expertise in enhancing earning potential within this occupation.