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Chef Salary in El Paso, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for El Paso's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in El Paso β€” Key Numbers

$49,493
Median Salary
$35,994
25th Percentile
$67,687
75th Percentile
$88,805
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median-16.0%
El Paso median household income$48,000
vs. City household income+3.1%

Cost of Living in El Paso

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$745/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.1%
Annual rent cost$8,940
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary3.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.9 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 El Paso

4.7%
Unemployment Rate
870,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
32.1
Median Age

El Paso has a metro population of 870,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.7% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in El Paso, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in El Paso is $49,493 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by El Paso's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $35,994 (25th percentile) to $67,687 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $88,805.

Is El Paso affordable for a Chef?

On a $49,493 annual salary, a Chef in El Paso would spend approximately 18.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($745/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making El Paso relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $195,000 is 3.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Chef's salary compare to El Paso's overall income?

El Paso's median household income is $48,000. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $49,493 earns 3.1% more than the typical El Paso household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.