Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hawaii
In Hawaii, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $46,270, substantially higher than the national average of $35,960. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and operational costs inherent to an island state, necessitating higher wages to attract and retain talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,910.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 82,980 individuals engaged in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.51, Hawaii demonstrates a robust and concentrated demand for these roles. This indicates that the sector is more prevalent and potentially more critical to the local economy than the national average, suggesting a stable job market for culinary and service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii earns+28.7%above the national average.
$22.2
$890
$3,856
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled service workers, and the rising cost of living likely contribute to an upward trajectory in average earnings within this sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hawaii
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, but with accumulated experience, specialized skills, and supervisory responsibilities, professionals can advance to senior roles commanding considerably higher salaries. The widening percentile gaps in earnings underscore the tangible rewards of career development and expertise in this field.
| 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) | $34,703 | $16.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,640 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,838 | $27.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $74,910 | $36 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,850
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
While the nominal average salary of $46,270 in Hawaii appears attractive, it must be considered within the context of the state's exceptionally high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary is significantly diminished compared to the national average, requiring a higher income to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
82,980
Total Jobs
133.636
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
Hawaii has 1.5x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Hawaii's Location Quotient of 1.51 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations signifies a market where these jobs are 51% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong and established presence of these roles, indicating a competitive yet potentially abundant job market for individuals seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $43,460↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $57,180↑ 24% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii is $46,270. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $74,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 28.7% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, but with caveats.Hawaii offers a significantly higher average salary for these roles compared to the national average. However, the extremely high cost of living means that the real value of this salary is reduced, requiring careful financial planning.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii is 186.2. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii?
Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($43,460) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does the Hawaii salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii is $46,270, which is approximately $10,310 higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a Cost of Living Index of 186.2, meaning it is 86.2% more expensive to live there than the national average (where 100 is the baseline).
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii?
There are approximately 82,980 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hawaii.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.51 mean?
A Location Quotient of 1.51 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 51% more concentrated in Hawaii than in the United States as a whole, suggesting a higher demand or prevalence of these jobs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 82,980 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 133.636 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hawaii