SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Hawaii

Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii command an impressive average annual salary of $92,690, substantially exceeding the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape of the Hawaiian Islands, including its remote location, high demand for specialized culinary talent, and the associated costs of operating businesses in such an environment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $92,690 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,990.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 830 Chefs and Head Cooks and a Location Quotient of 1.13, Hawaii demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a robust and stable demand for culinary leadership within the state, indicating a healthy job market for experienced individuals in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$92,690

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii earns+43.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$44.6

Weekly

$1,783

Monthly

$7,724

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Hawaii

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between lower and upper percentile salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on culinary mastery.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$70,340$33.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$69,518$33.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$81,200$39
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$115,863$55.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$129,990$62.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$92,690

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,780

Adjusted for COL (186.2)

While the nominal salary of $92,690 appears attractive, it must be considered within Hawaii's significantly high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is considerably less than the national average, and individuals relocating to Hawaii should anticipate higher expenses for housing, goods, and services.

Job Market Context

830

Total Jobs

1.338

Per 1K Jobs

1.13

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.13, Hawaii has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.13 indicates that Hawaii has a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present, but perhaps not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Urban Honolulu, HI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$90,910↓ 2%37 mi
Kahului-Wailuku, HI Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$97,850↑ 6%69 mi

Comparing salaries near Hawaii

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii is $92,690. This typically ranges from $70,340 for entry-level positions to $129,990 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 43.3% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, but with caveats.Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii earn significantly more than the national average, but the high cost of living means their effective purchasing power is reduced.

Is Hawaii a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii is 186.2. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii?

Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($90,910) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.

How does the cost of living affect the Chef salary in Hawaii?

Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is nearly double the national average, meaning the $92,690 salary, while high nominally, offers less purchasing power than a lower salary in a more affordable state.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.13 mean for Chefs in Hawaii?

A Location Quotient of 1.13 suggests that Chefs and Head Cooks are slightly more concentrated in Hawaii than nationally, indicating a healthy demand for these roles within the state's economy.

Are there many Chef jobs in Hawaii?

With 1.338 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 830, Hawaii offers a notable number of opportunities for Chefs and Head Cooks relative to its population.

How does experience impact a Chef's salary in Hawaii?

Experience is a key driver of salary growth for Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii, with senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation than entry-level positions, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 1.338 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii