Cooks, Restaurant Salary in San Antonio, TX

In San Antonio, TX, cooks employed in restaurants typically earn a median annual salary of $34,650, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $16.66. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $36,830. When compared to the local area's median household income of $74,297, cooks' earnings represent just under half, highlighting a significant disparity between individual wages in this field and average household earnings in the region. Given that the local unemployment rate is 3.80%, these positions are relatively stable but may face competitive pressures due to their lower-than-average earning potential compared to other professions within the area.

Entry-level cooks in San Antonio generally start at salaries near the 10th percentile, which amounts to around $23,710 annually. In contrast, more experienced cooks can earn closer to or above the 75th percentile, reaching up to approximately $36,160 per year, with top earners making as much as $38,520 at the 90th percentile. The variance in earnings between entry-level and seasoned professionals is driven by factors such as accumulated experience, proficiency in diverse culinary techniques, and familiarity with managing kitchen operations efficiently. Additionally, those who take on supervisory roles or specialize in high-demand cuisines may see higher compensation reflective of their enhanced skills and responsibilities within the restaurant setting.