Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Puerto Rico
Cooks in institutions and cafeterias in Puerto Rico earn an average annual salary of $26,470. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130. The disparity in pay is largely influenced by the island's unique economic conditions and cost of living, which are distinct from the mainland United States.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Puerto Rico appears robust, with a local workforce of 7,830 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.87 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles relative to the general workforce. This suggests a strong demand and a well-established presence for this profession on the island.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Puerto Rico earns-30.6%below the national average.
$12.7
$509
$2,206
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for food services, and the need to retain skilled culinary professionals within the institutional and cafeteria sectors.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Puerto Rico, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior cooks with extensive experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify this career ladder and the potential for increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,000 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,853 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,380 | $12.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,088 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,330 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,863
Adjusted for COL (95)
The average annual salary of $26,470 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Puerto Rico should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 95. This index is slightly below the national average (100), suggesting that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of that income may be somewhat preserved due to lower everyday expenses. However, the lower salary still presents a significant difference in disposable income compared to national averages.
Job Market Context
7,830
Total Jobs
8.333
Per 1K Jobs
2.87
Location Quotient
Puerto Rico has 2.9x 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.
Puerto Rico's Location Quotient of 2.87 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. A quotient significantly above 1.0 means that this profession is more prevalent in Puerto Rico than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more specialized industry presence for these roles. This could translate to more job opportunities but also potentially more competition among job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ponce, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,130↑ 2% | 15 mi |
| Arecibo, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,740↓ 3% | 19 mi |
| Mayaguez, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,610↓ 3% | 33 mi |
| Guayama, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,230↓ 5% | 36 mi |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,440↓ 0% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Puerto Rico?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Puerto Rico is $26,470. This typically ranges from $20,000 for entry-level positions to $38,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 30.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, the average annual salary of $26,470 is substantially less than the national average of $38,130, impacting overall earning potential.
Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($27,130) and Arecibo, PR.
How does the total workforce size affect job prospects?
A total local workforce of 7,830 for this role suggests a substantial number of positions exist, potentially offering numerous opportunities for employment within Puerto Rico.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.87 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2.87 indicates that cooks are employed in Puerto Rico at a rate nearly three times higher than the national average, signifying a strong concentration and demand for these professionals.
How does Puerto Rico's cost of living compare to the national average?
Puerto Rico's Cost of Living Index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average of 100, meaning that goods and services are generally less expensive on the island.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for cooks in Puerto Rico?
With 8.333 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a significant portion of the employed population in Puerto Rico, highlighting its importance in the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,830 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 8.333 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 Puerto Rico