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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Puerto Rico

Cooks in Puerto Rico earn an average annual salary of $25,640, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local hospitality market, and the overall cost of doing business within the island territory.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,110.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 10,640 individuals in this role, the restaurant cook sector in Puerto Rico demonstrates a significant presence. The Location Quotient of 1.2 suggests that this profession is more concentrated in Puerto Rico than the national average, indicating a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled cooks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,640

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Puerto Rico earns-32.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.3

Weekly

$493

Monthly

$2,137

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico

Salary progression for Cooks in Puerto Rico typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$19,760$9.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,230$9.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$23,920$11.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,050$15.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$29,110$14

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,989

Adjusted for COL (95)

The average annual salary of $25,640 in Puerto Rico needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 95. This index is slightly below the national average, meaning that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of that income may be somewhat comparable to higher salaries in more expensive regions, offering a degree of financial stability.

Job Market Context

10,640

Total Jobs

11.321

Per 1K Jobs

1.2

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.20, Puerto Rico has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant positions are 20% more concentrated in Puerto Rico than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these professionals within the local job market, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Ponce, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$24,490↓ 4%15 mi
Arecibo, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$24,430↓ 5%19 mi
Mayaguez, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$23,790↓ 7%33 mi
Guayama, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$25,130↓ 2%36 mi
San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$26,210↑ 2%37 mi

Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Puerto Rico?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Puerto Rico is $25,640. This typically ranges from $19,760 for entry-level positions to $29,110 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 32.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not in terms of nominal salary.The average salary of $25,640 is significantly below the national average. However, the lower cost of living offers some mitigation to this difference.

Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($24,490) and Arecibo, PR.

How does the cost of living in Puerto Rico compare to the US mainland?

Puerto Rico's Cost of Living Index is 95, which is slightly lower than the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally more affordable on the island.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.2 mean for cooks?

A Location Quotient of 1.2 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Puerto Rico is higher than the national average, suggesting a stronger local demand for these roles.

How many Cooks work in Puerto Rico?

There are approximately 10,640 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Puerto Rico, representing a substantial segment of the local culinary workforce.

Can an experienced cook earn more than the average salary in Puerto Rico?

Yes, experienced cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record can typically earn salaries exceeding the average of $25,640, as experience is a key factor in salary progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,640 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 11.321 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 Puerto Rico