Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Puerto Rico
Cooks in fast-food establishments across Puerto Rico can expect an average annual salary of $21,500. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics within the island territory. The lower average salary is often influenced by a combination of local wage standards, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic landscape of Puerto Rico.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $21,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $22,310.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,680 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market in Puerto Rico shows a concentration that is very close to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles relative to the general workforce. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 3.918 further supports the notion of a consistent presence of fast-food cooking positions within the island's employment structure.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Puerto Rico earns-30.9%below the national average.
$10.3
$413
$1,792
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cooks in Puerto Rico is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and potential minimum wage adjustments likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for these roles, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and labor market demands.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico
The salary trajectory for Cooks, Fast Food in Puerto Rico, like elsewhere, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, perhaps around the 25th percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries closer to the 75th percentile or higher. These percentile gaps highlight significant career progression opportunities within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,830 | $9.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $16,125 | $7.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,300 | $10.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $26,875 | $12.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $22,310 | $10.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$21,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,632
Adjusted for COL (95)
The nominal average annual salary of $21,500 in Puerto Rico for Cooks, Fast Food, when viewed against a Cost of Living Index of 95 (where 100 is the national average), suggests that the purchasing power of this salary is slightly better than if it were earned in a location with a higher cost of living. While the absolute salary is lower, the reduced expenses can partially offset the difference compared to the national average salary in a more expensive region.
Job Market Context
3,680
Total Jobs
3.918
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Puerto Rico has 0.90x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.9 for Cooks, Fast Food in Puerto Rico indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and aligns closely with the overall workforce distribution, the market is not oversaturated with these specific roles compared to the rest of the United States. It implies a balanced job market where opportunities exist without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ponce, PR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,590↑ 0% | 15 mi |
| Arecibo, PR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,280↓ 1% | 19 mi |
| Mayaguez, PR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,030↓ 2% | 33 mi |
| Guayama, PR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,770↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $21,540↑ 0% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Puerto Rico?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Puerto Rico is $21,500. This typically ranges from $19,830 for entry-level positions to $22,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 30.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $21,500 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the slightly lower cost of living index of 95 offers some mitigation to the lower nominal wage.
Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Puerto Rico?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ponce, PR ($21,590) and Arecibo, PR.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Puerto Rico compare to the national average?
Puerto Rico has a total local workforce of 3,680 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a concentration very close to, but slightly below, the national average.
What is the average hourly wage for a fast-food cook in Puerto Rico?
Based on an average annual salary of $21,500 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a fast-food cook in Puerto Rico is around $10.34.
Are there many job openings for fast-food cooks in Puerto Rico?
With 3.918 jobs per 1,000 workers, the number of fast-food cook positions is relatively stable and present within the Puerto Rican labor market, though not exceptionally high.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a fast-food cook in Puerto Rico?
The cost of living index of 95 means that expenses are slightly lower than the national average, which helps to make the $21,500 salary more manageable than it might appear when compared solely to national wage figures.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,680 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 3.918 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 Puerto Rico