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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hawaii

Cooks in Hawaii earn an average annual salary of $46,330, significantly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and operational demands inherent to island states, including higher costs for goods and services, and specialized labor market dynamics.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,700.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 12,190 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 2.08, Hawaii demonstrates a robust and concentrated demand for these culinary professionals. The high concentration suggests that the role is more prevalent and perhaps more critical to the local economy than in other parts of the country, indicating a stable job market for experienced individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,330

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hawaii earns+22.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.3

Weekly

$891

Monthly

$3,861

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hawaii

Salary progression for Cooks in Hawaii typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior roles often earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,170$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$34,748$16.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$44,710$21.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$57,913$27.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$66,700$32.1

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$24,882

Adjusted for COL (186.2)

The nominal average annual salary of $46,330 in Hawaii must be considered within the context of its exceptionally high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that while the take-home pay is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is considerably diminished due to the elevated costs of housing, groceries, and everyday necessities, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

12,190

Total Jobs

19.632

Per 1K Jobs

2.08

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Hawaii has 2.1x 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 2.08 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are more than twice as concentrated in Hawaii compared to the national average. This suggests a highly competitive and specialized job market where employers may actively seek out individuals with specific skills relevant to the local cuisine and hospitality demands, potentially leading to more opportunities but also a need for differentiation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Urban Honolulu, HI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$44,310↓ 4%37 mi
Kahului-Wailuku, HI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$53,460↑ 15%69 mi

Comparing salaries near Hawaii

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hawaii is $46,330. This typically ranges from $29,170 for entry-level positions to $66,700 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 22.9% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.Hawaii offers a higher average salary for Cooks than the national average, but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living.

Is Hawaii a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($44,310) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.

How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in Hawaii?

The high cost of living in Hawaii means that the $46,330 average salary, while higher than the national average, may not translate to proportionally higher disposable income due to increased expenses for housing, food, and transportation.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.08 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 2.08 signifies a strong presence and demand for Cooks in Hawaii relative to the rest of the US, suggesting more job opportunities but also potentially a more competitive environment for securing roles.

How many Cooks are employed in Hawaii?

There are approximately 12,190 Cooks employed in Hawaii, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce in the food service industry.

Are there good career advancement opportunities for Cooks in Hawaii?

Yes, career advancement is typically tied to experience and skill development, with higher-paying roles available for senior cooks and chefs, as indicated by salary percentile differences.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,190 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 19.632 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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