Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $47,240, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique demands and operational costs associated with island economies, where specialized labor often commands a premium.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,470.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a substantial workforce of 2,670 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.71 suggests a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating consistent demand and a potentially stable job outlook for culinary professionals in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area earns+25.3%above the national average.
$22.7
$908
$3,937
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Factors such as increasing tourism and a rising cost of living likely contribute to upward pressure on wages for essential service roles like cooks.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while experienced chefs and kitchen managers can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The salary distribution reflects a clear opportunity for advancement and increased income with acquired skills and years of service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $35,430 | $17 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,340 | $22.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $59,050 | $28.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $63,470 | $30.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,240 in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased pay effectively offsets the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,670
Total Jobs
25.559
Per 1K Jobs
2.71
Location Quotient
Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area has 2.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.71, the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may actively seek out individuals with relevant experience, and job opportunities are relatively abundant compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $44,310↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $53,460↑ 13% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area is $47,240. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $63,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area is 25.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it is a more lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $47,240 is substantially higher than the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.71) indicates strong local demand.
Is Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($44,310) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area earn approximately $10,000 more annually than the national average for the same role.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?
An LQ of 2.71 means that Cooks are more than 2.5 times more concentrated in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area than in the average U.S. location, signaling high demand and specialization.
Does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary of $47,240 provides purchasing power comparable to the national average, effectively balancing the cost of living.
How many Cooks work in this area?
There are approximately 2,670 Cooks employed in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,670 employees in the Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 25.559 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 Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area