Chef/Head Cook in Killeen, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Chef/Head Cooks considering a move to Killeen, Texas.

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The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

As a Chef or Head Cook in Killeen, you’re looking at a market that’s stable but not the most lucrative in the state. The median salary for this role in the Killeen-Temple metro area is $58,865/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.3/hour. It’s important to understand that this isn’t a high-cost city like Austin or Dallas. While the national average sits at $60,350/year, Killeen’s lower cost of living makes that median salary feel more substantial than it might in a major metro.

The job market itself is modest. There are approximately 319 jobs for Chef/Head Cooks in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is steady but not explosive. This growth is largely tied to the stability of the local economy, anchored by Fort Hood and its associated civilian and service industries. You won’t find the rapid-fire openings of a boomtown, but you will find consistent opportunities for skilled professionals.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your earning potential will vary significantly based on your experience and the specific type of establishment you work in.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Kitchen	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior/Head Cook	8-15 years	$65,000 - $80,000+
Executive Chef	15+ years, manage teams	$75,000 - $95,000+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local market trends and roles. Top-tier positions at high-volume private clubs or senior living facilities can exceed these figures.

How Killeen Compares to Other Texas Cities

Killeen’s salary is below the state and national averages for this profession, but so is its cost of living. The key is understanding the trade-off.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Potential
Killeen-Temple	$58,865	91.8	High purchasing power
Austin	$62,500	127.5	Moderate purchasing power
Dallas-Fort Worth	$61,200	104.2	Moderate purchasing power
Houston	$59,800	96.5	Good purchasing power
San Antonio	$57,500	92.5	High purchasing power

Insider Tip: Don’t just chase the higher salary number. A Chef making $62,000 in Austin is paying over $1,400/month for a modest 1BR apartment. In Killeen, with a $900/month average 1BR rent, that same salary goes much further, leaving more disposable income for savings, family, or hobbies.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down what a Chef/Head Cook earning the median salary of $58,865 can expect in Killeen. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Annual Salary: $58,865
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~$11,500 (approx. 19.5% effective rate)
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,947

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single person earning the median salary in Killeen:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$900	You can find a decent 1BR in many neighborhoods for this price.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	Texas energy can be high in summer; budget for AC.
Groceries	$350	Cooking at home is cheaper; as a chef, you may get staff meals.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Assumes a modest car payment and insurance. Public transit is limited.
Gas/Transportation	$120	Killeen is spread out; most commute by car.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies widely; this is a reasonable estimate for a single person.
Miscellaneous (Cell, etc.)	$150
Total Essential Expenses	$2,350
Remaining Discretionary Income	$1,597

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With over $1,500 in discretionary income, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Killeen is approximately $230,000. A 10% down payment is $23,000. With the remaining monthly income, you could save this in under two years. However, note that property taxes in Texas are high (no state income tax). A $230,000 home could have an annual property tax bill of $4,000-$5,000, adding $400-420 to your monthly mortgage payment. This makes home ownership more challenging but still attainable for a dual-income household or a single saver with discipline.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

Killeen’s job market is unique due to its symbiotic relationship with Fort Hood. While the base itself is a huge employer, the surrounding civilian economy is built on supporting it.

1. Fort Hood (Military Base): The base is the largest employer in the region, with over 50,000 personnel. It has multiple dining facilities (DFACs) managed by contractors like Sodexo and Aramark. These are steady jobs, often unionized, with benefits. They’re less "creative" but offer stability and a predictable schedule.
2. Senior Living Facilities: Killeen has a growing retiree population. Places like Killeen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and The Summerhill at Killeen employ head cooks and chef managers to run their dining services. These roles often focus on dietary needs and consistency.
3. Local Restaurant Groups: While not a fine-dining mecca, Killeen has successful local chains and family-owned restaurants. Veggie Villa (a local vegetarian staple) and Lucky’s Burgers & Grill are examples of establishments that value experienced kitchen leadership.
4. School Districts: Killeen Independent School District (KISD) is a massive operation, serving over 40,000 students. They have a central nutrition services department that hires kitchen managers and head cooks for their production kitchens.
5. Hospitals: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (on base) have food service operations that require skilled kitchen managers for patient meals, cafeterias, and catering.
6. Hotels & Conference Centers: Hotels like the Killeen Civic & Conference Center cater to military families, graduations, and local events. They need banquet chefs and head cooks for event catering.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady year-round, with a slight uptick in late spring/early summer (before the school year and peak military moving season) and again in early fall. Positions at military contractors are posted on USAJobs.gov and the contractors’ own websites. Local restaurant jobs are often filled through word-of-mouth, so building a network at places like Sunset Lanes or The Hub can be invaluable.

Getting Licensed in TX

Unlike some states, Texas does not require a specific "chef license" to work as a cook or head cook. However, all food managers in a commercial operation must be certified.

• The Requirement: At least one employee per shift must hold a Texas Food Manager Certification (FMC). As a Head Cook or Chef, you will almost certainly be the one to get this.
• The Process:
  1. Choose a Program: The most recognized is the ServSafe Food Manager Certification, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Other options include the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP).
  2. Training & Exam: You can take an online course (approx. 8-10 hours) or an in-person class. The exam is proctored. Total cost for the course and exam is typically $150 - $225.
  3. Exam Format: The exam is 90 questions, multiple-choice, covering food safety, sanitation, and management.
  4. Validity: The certification is valid for 5 years in Texas.
• Timeline: You can be ready to take the exam within 1-2 weeks of starting your studies. Most employers will cover this cost upon hiring or reimbursement after a probationary period.
• Other Credentials: While not required, a Food Handler’s Permit is a basic prerequisite for any line cook and is often required within 30 days of hire. It’s a quick, online course costing about $10-$15.

Insider Tip: When interviewing, mention you are ServSafe certified or are willing to get it immediately. It shows you understand the operational and legal side of kitchen management, not just the culinary side.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Killeen is a commuter city. Your ideal neighborhood depends on your lifestyle and where you work. Most kitchen jobs are in the central commercial corridor along Elm Street (US 190) or near the base.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Central Killeen	Walkable to some restaurants/bars, older homes, mixed demographics. 10-15 mins to most jobs.	$850 - $1,000	Urban feel, short commute, walkability.
Stillhouse Hollow	Established, suburban, family-oriented. Near Lake Stillhouse Hollow. 15-20 mins to jobs.	$950 - $1,150	Families, quiet life, outdoor access.
West Killeen (near base)	Newer developments, clear layouts, closer to Fort Hood gates. 10-15 mins to base jobs.	$900 - $1,100	Those working on base, new construction.
Harker Heights	Technically its own city, but part of the metro. More affluent, excellent schools, a bit further from central jobs.	$1,000 - $1,200	Higher-end lifestyle, willing to commute.
Nolanville	Small-tow, very affordable, quiet. About 20-25 minutes east of central Killeen.	$750 - $900	Maximize savings, don't mind a longer drive.

Neighborhood Tip: Traffic is generally light, but the Fort Hood gates (especially the main one, Robert Gray Army Airfield) can cause backups during shift changes (0600-0800 and 1600-1800). If you work on base, living west of Killeen can cut your commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Killeen, career growth often means moving from a line cook to a head cook, then to an executive chef role, or transitioning into food service management.

• Specialty Premiums: Chefs with certifications in nutrition/dietetics (for healthcare or senior living) can command a 10-15% premium. Banquet/event catering skills are also in demand for hotels and military events, offering higher per-event pay.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Head Cook at a High-Volume Restaurant: Move from a chain to a popular local spot, managing a larger kitchen.
  2. Food Service Manager (Institutional): Move into the administrative side at a school district or hospital. This often comes with a salary bump and benefits but less hands-on cooking.
  3. Executive Chef (Private Club/Resort): The top of the local food chain. Private clubs like The Hills at Killeen or nearby Barton Creek resorts (in the Waco/Austin sphere) are the goal for high-end chefs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is tied to the overall population increase in the region. The real opportunity for wage growth will be in specialized institutional settings (healthcare, senior living) that require expertise in dietary management. The restaurant scene is stable but unlikely to see explosive growth. The key to higher earnings is management responsibility, not just culinary skill.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Killeen is not a culinary destination, but it is a livable, affordable city with a stable job market for skilled kitchen professionals. It’s a great choice if you prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a lower cost of living over a vibrant fine-dining scene.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $58,865 salary goes much further here.	Limited Culinary Scene: Few high-end, creative dining opportunities.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from military and healthcare sectors.	Pay Ceiling: Salaries are generally lower than in major metros.
Short Commutes: Easy traffic; most jobs are within a 15-minute drive.	Transient Population: Some neighborhoods are affected by military rotations.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: Quieter than cities like Austin or Dallas.

Final Recommendation: Killeen is an excellent choice for Head Cooks and Chefs who are in the mid-career to senior stage, value stability, and are looking to maximize their disposable income. It’s ideal for those with families or who want to transition into institutional food service management. For a young, aspiring chef seeking a cutting-edge culinary scene, it may feel limiting. For a seasoned chef looking for a lower-stress, financially sound career move, Killeen is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a degree from culinary school to get a job as a Head Cook in Killeen?
A: No, it’s not required. Experience is king in Killeen’s practical market. Employers value hands-on skill and management experience over formal education, though a degree can help you stand out for executive roles at larger institutions.

Q: Is it easy to find a job without a military connection?
A: Yes. While working on base is a major opportunity, the civilian restaurant, healthcare, and school systems are open to all. Your biggest advantage will be your ServSafe certification and a solid work history.

Q: What’s the typical schedule for a Head Cook here?
A: It depends on the employer. Restaurants often require nights, weekends, and holidays. Institutional jobs (schools, hospitals, military) may offer more regular daytime hours. Be prepared to discuss schedule flexibility during interviews.

Q: How competitive is the job market for 319 openings?
A: With a metro population of 159,635, 319 jobs represent a moderately competitive but not saturated market. Skilled, certified candidates with references will find opportunities. The key is applying to the right type of employer (e.g., targeting your search to institutional vs. restaurant).

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a chef new to Killeen?
A: Adapting to the local palate and expectations. The market is less adventurous than Austin's. Success often comes from executing classic, high-quality comfort food and understanding the dietary needs of a community with a large military and retiree population.