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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, Short Order Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $20,930. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $35,650, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics within the island territory. The cost of living also plays a crucial role in understanding the real value of this income.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $20,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $22,260.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this role, Puerto Rico demonstrates a moderate concentration of Short Order Cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.75. While this suggests a slightly lower prevalence compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 700 professionals points to a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary skills within the territory.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$20,930

The average Cooks, Short Order in Puerto Rico earns-41.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$10.1

Weekly

$403

Monthly

$1,744

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico

For Short Order Cooks in Puerto Rico, salary progression typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the potential for career advancement and increased earning power as one moves from junior to senior roles.

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)$15,698$7.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$20,200$9.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$26,163$12.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$22,260$10.7

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$20,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$22,032

Adjusted for COL (95)

The nominal average annual salary for Short Order Cooks in Puerto Rico stands at $20,930. When juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 95 (where 100 is the national average), this salary offers a purchasing power that is relatively close to the national average, despite the lower nominal wage. This suggests that while the gross income is lower, the reduced cost of essential goods and services can help offset the difference.

Job Market Context

690

Total Jobs

0.731

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Puerto Rico has 0.75x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order 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 0.75 for Short Order Cooks in Puerto Rico indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also implies that the demand might be more localized and less robust compared to regions with a higher concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Puerto Rico?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Puerto Rico is $20,930. This typically ranges from $19,760 for entry-level positions to $22,260 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 41.3% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, but the cost of living offers some balance.The average salary of $20,930 is significantly below the national average. However, with a cost of living index of 95, the purchasing power of this salary is relatively closer to the national average than the nominal wage suggests.

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

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 ($20,170) and San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR.

What is the average salary for a Short Order Cook in Puerto Rico?

The average annual salary for a Short Order Cook in Puerto Rico is approximately $20,930.

How does Puerto Rico's cost of living compare to the national average?

Puerto Rico's cost of living index is 95, which is slightly lower than the national average of 100, indicating that goods and services are generally less expensive on the island.

Is the job market for Short Order Cooks strong in Puerto Rico?

The job market shows a stable presence with 690 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.75, suggesting a moderate level of demand that is slightly below the national concentration.

Can experience increase a Short Order Cook's salary in Puerto Rico?

Yes, like most professions, experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Short Order Cooks, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 0.731 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.