Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Arecibo, PR
In Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings earn an average annual salary of $25,740. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local job market. The cost of living in Arecibo aligns with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,980.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR, shows a significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 4.06, indicating a demand far exceeding the national average. Despite a local workforce of 410 individuals in this role, the high concentration suggests that employers actively seek these professionals. This robust demand, coupled with a substantial presence within the local employment landscape, points to a stable and potentially growing job market for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR earns-32.5%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,145
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Arecibo is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain the attractiveness of the profession within the local labor market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Arecibo, PR
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication, skill development, and increased responsibility within institutional and cafeteria environments.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,760 | $9.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,305 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,990 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,175 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,980 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,740 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the local cost of goods and services is also at the national benchmark, suggesting that the purchasing power of the Arecibo salary is relatively aligned with that of a worker earning the national average in a location with average living expenses.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
11.792
Per 1K Jobs
4.06
Location Quotient
Arecibo, PR has 4.1x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 4.06 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Arecibo compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized need for these roles within the community's institutions and cafeterias. The market is thus abundant with opportunities relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,460↑ 11% | 19 mi |
| Aguadilla, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,920↑ 1% | 27 mi |
| Mayaguez, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,610↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Ponce, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,130↑ 5% | 31 mi |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,440↑ 3% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arecibo, PR
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Arecibo, PR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR is $25,740. This typically ranges from $19,760 for entry-level positions to $36,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arecibo, PR is 32.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Arecibo, PR a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but the cost of living is comparable.The average salary of $25,740 is significantly below the national average, indicating it's not a highly lucrative market in nominal terms. However, with a cost of living index matching the national average, the lower salary's purchasing power is somewhat preserved.
Is Arecibo, PR a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Arecibo, PR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arecibo, PR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Puerto Rico nonmetropolitan area ($28,460) and Aguadilla, PR.
How does the Arecibo Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arecibo, PR, is $25,740, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in Arecibo, PR?
Arecibo, PR, has a high concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.06, meaning the profession is over four times more common there than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Arecibo affect the Cook salary?
The cost of living in Arecibo is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $25,740 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria work in Arecibo, PR?
There are approximately 410 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Arecibo, PR, representing 11.792 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Arecibo, PR area with a job density of 11.792 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arecibo, PR