Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Urban Honolulu, HI
Cooks in Urban Honolulu, HI, can expect an average annual salary of $44,310, significantly higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and higher operational costs associated with island living, which often translate to increased wages for essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,470.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 7,680 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, and a Location Quotient of 1.84, Urban Honolulu demonstrates a robust and concentrated demand for these culinary roles. This indicates a market where the presence of these jobs is nearly double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Urban Honolulu, HI earns+17.5%above the national average.
$21.3
$852
$3,693
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Urban Honolulu have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals, and the rising cost of living in Hawaii likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for this profession.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Urban Honolulu, HI
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Urban Honolulu typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,233 | $16 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,070 | $18.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $55,388 | $26.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $63,470 | $30.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,310 in Urban Honolulu 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 standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for those considering a move.
Job Market Context
7,680
Total Jobs
17.328
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Urban Honolulu, HI has 1.8x 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.
An impressive Location Quotient of 1.84 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant positions are significantly more concentrated in Urban Honolulu than the national average. This suggests a high demand for culinary talent relative to the general employment landscape, making the job market competitive for employers seeking staff but potentially advantageous for skilled cooks seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $47,240↑ 7% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Urban Honolulu, HI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Urban Honolulu, HI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Urban Honolulu, HI is $44,310. This typically ranges from $29,120 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 Urban Honolulu, HI is 17.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Urban Honolulu, HI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with comparable purchasing power.The average salary of $44,310 is 17% above the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index matching the national average, your earnings will have strong purchasing power.
Is Urban Honolulu, HI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Urban Honolulu, HI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Urban Honolulu, HI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area ($47,240) and others.
How does the number of cooks in Urban Honolulu compare nationally?
Urban Honolulu has 17.328 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, which is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for cooks in Honolulu?
A Location Quotient of 1.84 means that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Urban Honolulu is 84% higher than the national average, signaling robust local demand.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in Urban Honolulu?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with specialized skills can earn considerably more than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career growth path.
Is the job market for cooks saturated in Urban Honolulu?
While the concentration of jobs is high (LQ 1.84), indicating strong demand, the substantial workforce size suggests a competitive environment. Skilled and experienced cooks are likely to find ample opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,680 employees in the Urban Honolulu, HI area with a job density of 17.328 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 Urban Honolulu, HI