SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Hawaii

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $50,250, significantly higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated pay is largely influenced by Hawaii's unique economic landscape, including its island geography and higher operational costs, which necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,010.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,270 individuals in this role, Hawaii demonstrates a moderate concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.7. While not exceeding the national average concentration, the presence of over a thousand professionals suggests a stable demand for these services across various institutions and cafeterias throughout the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,250

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hawaii earns+31.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.2

Weekly

$966

Monthly

$4,188

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Hawaii

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hawaii typically involves salary increases tied to experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,840$17.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$37,688$18.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$47,250$22.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$62,813$30.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$63,010$30.3

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,987

Adjusted for COL (186.2)

The nominal average salary of $50,250 in Hawaii presents a complex picture when viewed against the state's high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. While the salary is substantially higher than the national average, the significantly elevated cost of goods and services means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or even less than, what a lower salary would provide in a more affordable region.

Job Market Context

1,270

Total Jobs

2.046

Per 1K Jobs

0.7

Location Quotient

Below Average

Hawaii has 0.70x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 0.7 suggests that the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hawaii is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be as overwhelmingly dominant a sector compared to other states, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Urban Honolulu, HI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$48,600↓ 3%37 mi
Kahului-Wailuku, HI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$55,940↑ 11%69 mi

Comparing salaries near Hawaii

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hawaii is $50,250. This typically ranges from $36,840 for entry-level positions to $63,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 31.8% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, but with significant cost of living considerations.Hawaii offers a higher average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria compared to the national average. However, the extremely high cost of living in the state must be factored into the overall financial benefit.

Is Hawaii a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

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 ($48,600) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Hawaii?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hawaii is $50,250.

How does Hawaii's cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Hawaii earn approximately $12,120 more annually than the national average salary of $38,130.

What does the Location Quotient of 0.7 mean for cooks in Hawaii?

A Location Quotient of 0.7 indicates that the concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Hawaii is slightly lower than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary of a cook in Hawaii?

Hawaii's Cost of Living Index is 186.2, meaning that the higher salary of $50,250 is offset by significantly increased expenses for daily living compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,270 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 2.046 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii