Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in San Antonio, TX

In San Antonio, TX, cooks working in institutions and cafeterias typically earn a median annual salary of $31,390, which is below the national median of $36,450 for the same occupation. The median hourly wage stands at $15.09. When compared to the local area's median household income of $74,297, it is evident that cooks in this sector generally earn significantly less than the average household. This discrepancy highlights the financial challenges faced by many workers in this profession when attempting to meet the typical cost-of-living standards for a single-income household.

Entry-level cooks in San Antonio start at the 10th percentile with an annual salary of $23,470, while those who are more experienced and fall into the 90th percentile earn as much as $43,190 annually. The substantial variance between these figures is driven by factors such as years of experience, skill level, education, and certifications. Entry-level positions often require minimal prior experience, leading to lower wages, whereas seasoned cooks who have developed specialized skills or taken on supervisory roles tend to command higher salaries. As the demand for culinary expertise increases with job tenure, these experienced workers are rewarded with a more substantial income reflective of their accumulated knowledge and capabilities.