Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $24,660. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $35,960. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local market demand, and the overall cost of doing business within the island territory.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,210.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 78,190 individuals in these roles, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations represent a significant segment of Puerto Rico's labor market. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that employment in this sector is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established presence rather than rapid growth or decline.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Puerto Rico earns-31.4%below the national average.
$11.9
$474
$2,055
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Puerto Rico have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep pace with the evolving cost of living and maintain workforce stability within the sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $18,495 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,340 | $10.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,825 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,210 | $16.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,958
Adjusted for COL (95)
The average annual salary of $24,660 in Puerto Rico aligns favorably with its Cost of Living Index of 95. This means that the nominal income earned in this sector offers a purchasing power that is slightly above the national average, making the territory an economically viable location for those in food preparation roles.
Job Market Context
78,190
Total Jobs
83.22
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Puerto Rico has 0.94x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Puerto Rico compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where demand is steady but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ponce, PR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $23,460↓ 5% | 15 mi |
| Arecibo, PR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $23,130↓ 6% | 19 mi |
| Mayaguez, PR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $23,090↓ 6% | 33 mi |
| Guayama, PR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $23,050↓ 7% | 36 mi |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,240↑ 2% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Puerto Rico?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Puerto Rico is $24,660. This typically ranges from $19,760 for entry-level positions to $34,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 31.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is slightly lower, the average salary of $24,660 is significantly below the national average of $35,960 for these roles.
Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($23,460) 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, meaning it is 5% cheaper than the national average, which is benchmarked at 100.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Puerto Rico?
The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that jobs in this sector are nearly as common in Puerto Rico as they are nationwide.
How many people work in Food Preparation in Puerto Rico?
There are approximately 78,190 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Puerto Rico.
What is the average salary for this role nationally?
The national average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is $35,960.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 78,190 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 83.22 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 Puerto Rico