salary$28,380 a year$14 an hour · median pay in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$19,850per year
Top pay (top 10%)$34,590per year
Jobs in the area2,590people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford McAllen?
Expensive. Rent of $1,026 a month takes 43.4% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in McAllen, TX?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area is $28,380 a year ($14 an hour). Most earn between $19,850 and $34,590.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in McAllen?
Typical rent of $1,026 a month takes 43.4% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metro area.