Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Guam
Cooks in Guam earn an average annual salary of $24,340, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by the unique economic factors and market demands specific to island economies like Guam, impacting overall compensation levels for various professions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,780.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,000 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.71, the market for Cooks in Guam indicates a significant concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests a robust demand and a well-established presence of restaurant cooks within the local economy, pointing to a stable job market for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Guam earns-35.4%below the national average.
$11.7
$468
$2,028
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Guam's restaurant cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving culinary demands typically drive incremental salary increases for skilled positions like cooks, even in localized markets.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Guam
Salary progression for Cooks in Guam, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs or cooks with specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding those who advance their careers through dedication and acquired proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,720 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,255 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,900 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,425 | $14.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $27,780 | $13.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$18,723
Adjusted for COL (130)
The average annual salary of $24,340 in Guam presents a financial consideration when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 130, which is 30% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might seem lower, the purchasing power of that income is further diminished by the elevated cost of goods and services on the island.
Job Market Context
1,000
Total Jobs
16.111
Per 1K Jobs
1.71
Location Quotient
Guam has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 1.71 signifies that Cooks are 71% more concentrated in Guam than the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more specialized market for these roles compared to the rest of the United States. It implies that while there are many cooks relative to the general workforce, the specialized nature of the island's economy may create unique employment opportunities and competitive dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Guam?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Guam is $24,340. This typically ranges from $21,720 for entry-level positions to $27,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Guam is 35.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Guam a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While Guam has a high concentration of restaurant cooks, the average salary of $24,340 is significantly below the national average, and the higher cost of living further impacts its lucrativeness.
Is Guam a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Guam is 130. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the cost of living in Guam affect a cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 130, Guam is 30% more expensive than the national average. This means the $24,340 average salary for cooks has less purchasing power locally compared to the national average salary in a location with a cost of living index of 100.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.71 mean for cooks in Guam?
A Location Quotient of 1.71 indicates that cooks are more than 70% more concentrated in Guam's workforce than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a higher demand or a more specialized market for culinary professionals on the island.
How many restaurant cooks are there in Guam?
Based on the provided data, there are approximately 1,000 individuals employed as Cooks in Guam, representing 16.111 jobs per 1,000 workers in the total local workforce.
Can experience increase a cook's salary in Guam?
Yes, similar to national trends, experience and skill level are key drivers for salary increases. Senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can expect to earn more than entry-level positions, with percentile gaps reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,000 employees in the Guam area with a job density of 16.111 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Guam