Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Dallas, TX

In Dallas, Texas, cooks working in institutions and cafeterias earn a median annual salary of $35,630, which translates to a median hourly wage of $17.13. This local median is slightly below the national median salary for this occupation, which stands at $36,450. When compared to the area's median household income of $87,155, it becomes evident that these cooks earn approximately 41% of the average local household income. This discrepancy highlights the economic challenges faced by workers in this field, given the relatively modest earnings compared to broader household income levels within the region.

Entry-level cooks in Dallas generally fall around the 10th percentile of earnings, earning about $26,070 annually, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,860 per year. In contrast, experienced workers who are closer to or beyond the 75th percentile can expect salaries up to $39,220 annually. The highest earners in this field, represented by the 90th percentile, make around $44,440 per year. The salary disparity between entry-level and experienced cooks is driven primarily by factors such as skill level, years of experience, workplace size, and geographic location within the city. These elements collectively contribute to the wide range of potential earnings for cooks in this occupation, reflecting both career progression and market demand dynamics.