Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii's Kauai nonmetropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $92,510, significantly outpacing the national average of $64,680. This substantial difference is largely driven by the unique demands and high cost of operating culinary establishments in an island setting, coupled with the specialized skills required to manage kitchens in this sought-after tourist destination.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 56.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,860.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in the Kauai nonmetropolitan area, while modest in total workforce size with 210 Chefs and Head Cooks, demonstrates a notable concentration. The Location Quotient of 1.73 indicates a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand for skilled culinary professionals within this specific region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area earns+43.0%above the national average.
$44.5
$1,779
$7,709
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Kauai nonmetropolitan area have experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring the general upward trajectory of wages in the hospitality sector, especially in desirable tourist locales.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kauai typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, but as professionals gain experience, hone their skills, and take on more responsibility, their earnings can ascend to the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear and rewarding career ladder within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $72,040 | $34.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $69,383 | $33.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $85,370 | $41 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $115,638 | $55.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $126,860 | $61 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $92,510 in the Kauai nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for culinary professionals.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
2.048
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.73, the Kauai nonmetropolitan area exhibits a strong concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the rest of the nation. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is higher than the national average, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, and offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area is $92,510. This typically ranges from $72,040 for entry-level positions to $126,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area is 43.0% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average annual salary of $92,510 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong concentration indicated by the Location Quotient suggests high demand for these roles.
Is Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($90,910) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Kauai earn an average of $92,510 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the cost of living in Kauai nonmetropolitan area?
The cost of living in the Kauai nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
Is there a high demand for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kauai?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.73 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting strong demand.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in Kauai?
There are approximately 210 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Kauai nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.048 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area