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Chef Salary in Corpus Christi, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Corpus Christi's cost of living (index: 92). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Corpus Christi β€” Key Numbers

$54,206
Median Salary
$39,422
25th Percentile
$74,134
75th Percentile
$97,262
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median-8.0%
Corpus Christi median household income$56,800
vs. City household income-4.6%

Cost of Living in Corpus Christi

Cost of Living Index
92(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$975/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.6%
Annual rent cost$11,700
Median Home Price$240,000
Home Price / Salary4.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$48,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Corpus Christi

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
450,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
34.8
Median Age

Corpus Christi has a metro population of 450,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Corpus Christi, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Corpus Christi is $54,206 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Corpus Christi's cost of living index (92). The typical salary range runs from $39,422 (25th percentile) to $74,134 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $97,262.

Is Corpus Christi affordable for a Chef?

On a $54,206 annual salary, a Chef in Corpus Christi would spend approximately 21.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($975/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Corpus Christi relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $240,000 is 4.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Chef's salary compare to Corpus Christi's overall income?

Corpus Christi's median household income is $56,800. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $54,206 earns 4.6% less than the typical Corpus Christi household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Corpus Christi has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.