SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Ponce, PR

Cooks in Ponce, Puerto Rico, earn an average annual salary of $24,490, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand for culinary services, and the overall cost of doing business within the specific market of Ponce.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $24,490 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,830.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 560 Cooks and a Location Quotient of 0.94, Ponce presents a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, job market for these professionals compared to national averages. The presence of nearly 9 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, ongoing demand for culinary talent within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$24,490

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Ponce, PR earns-35.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.8

Weekly

$471

Monthly

$2,041

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Ponce, PR

Career progression for Cooks in Ponce, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,390$9.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,368$8.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$22,610$10.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$30,613$14.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$27,830$13.4

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$24,490

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$24,490

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $24,490 in Ponce aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Ponce is equivalent to that of a Cook earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary holds its value locally.

Job Market Context

560

Total Jobs

8.822

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ponce, PR has 0.94x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.94 suggests that the concentration of Cooks in Ponce is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, meaning the field is neither overly saturated nor experiencing a significant shortage of professionals compared to the rest of the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Puerto Rico nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$23,970↓ 2%15 mi
Arecibo, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$24,430↓ 0%31 mi
Guayama, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$25,130↑ 3%34 mi
Mayaguez, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$23,790↓ 3%34 mi
San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$26,210↑ 7%45 mi

Comparing salaries near Ponce, PR

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Ponce, PR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Ponce, PR is $24,490. This typically ranges from $20,390 for entry-level positions to $27,830 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ponce, PR is 35.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Ponce, PR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national standards.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Ponce is significantly lower than the national average. This suggests that earning potential is limited in this specific location.

Is Ponce, PR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Ponce, PR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ponce, PR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Puerto Rico nonmetropolitan area ($23,970) and Arecibo, PR.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Ponce, PR?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Ponce, PR is $24,490.

How does Ponce's cost of living compare nationally?

Ponce, PR has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is the job market for Cooks strong in Ponce?

The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient close to the national average and a consistent number of jobs per capita, indicating steady demand.

How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Ponce?

As with most roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Entry-level cooks earn less, while more experienced or specialized cooks can command higher wages, reflecting career advancement opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Ponce, PR area with a job density of 8.822 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 Ponce, PR