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Chef Salary in Lubbock, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Lubbock's cost of living (index: 87). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Lubbock β€” Key Numbers

$51,260
Median Salary
$37,280
25th Percentile
$70,105
75th Percentile
$91,976
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median-13.0%
Lubbock median household income$52,400
vs. City household income-2.2%

Cost of Living in Lubbock

Cost of Living Index
87(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$875/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.5%
Annual rent cost$10,500
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary3.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.8 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 Lubbock

3.9%
Unemployment Rate
340,000
Metro Population
20 min
Avg Commute
29.6
Median Age

Lubbock has a metro population of 340,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.9% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Lubbock, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Lubbock is $51,260 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Lubbock's cost of living index (87). The typical salary range runs from $37,280 (25th percentile) to $70,105 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $91,976.

Is Lubbock affordable for a Chef?

On a $51,260 annual salary, a Chef in Lubbock would spend approximately 20.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($875/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Lubbock relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $195,000 is 3.8Γ— the annual salary.

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

Lubbock's median household income is $52,400. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $51,260 earns 2.2% less than the typical Lubbock household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Lubbock 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.