Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Hawaii
Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $39,920, significantly higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay is largely influenced by the state's unique geographic isolation and the associated higher costs of goods and services, which necessitate greater compensation to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,500.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 830 individuals in this role, the market for Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii is moderately sized. The Location Quotient of 0.31 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated in Hawaii compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable demand relative to the available workforce, though not a booming expansion.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Hawaii earns+28.2%above the national average.
$19.2
$768
$3,327
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing minimum wages, rising operational costs for businesses, and a persistent demand for quick-service food options.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Hawaii
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated skills and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,940 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $40,300 | $19.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,900 | $24 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,500 | $23.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$21,439
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
Despite a nominal average salary of $39,920, the high Cost of Living Index in Hawaii, at 186.2, means that purchasing power is considerably reduced. This suggests that while the gross pay is higher than the national average, the actual disposable income may be comparable or even lower than in more affordable regions, requiring careful financial planning.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
1.341
Per 1K Jobs
0.31
Location Quotient
At 0.31x, Hawaii has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.31 indicates that Fast Food Cooks are less prevalent in Hawaii's job market relative to the national landscape. This suggests that while the role exists, it's not a dominant sector, and the market may be less saturated, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment, but also implying a smaller overall industry size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,650↓ 3% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Hawaii is $39,920. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $48,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 28.2% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, but with caveats.Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, this is significantly offset by the state's substantially higher cost of living.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 ($38,650) and others.
How does the Hawaii salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii is $39,920, which is approximately $8,790 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Hawaii?
Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, meaning it is 86.2% more expensive to live there than the national average (which is indexed at 100).
Is there high demand for Fast Food Cooks in Hawaii?
The Location Quotient of 0.31 suggests that Fast Food Cooks are less concentrated in Hawaii compared to the national average, indicating a moderate rather than exceptionally high demand relative to the workforce size.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there in Hawaii?
There are approximately 830 Fast Food Cooks employed in Hawaii, representing 1.341 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
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 1.341 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii