Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Hawaii / Kauai

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $85,370 +40% vs national
Median hourly $41.04
10th percentile $72,040
90th percentile $126,860
Employed locally 210
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,040
    25th
    $74,820
    50th (median)
    $85,370
    75th
    $99,670
    90th
    $126,860

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200
    Alexandria, LA $80,290

    Related occupations in Hawaii / Kauai

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $33,430
    Waiters and Waitresses $48,480
    Cooks, Restaurant $46,340
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $51,640
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $43,750
    Dishwashers $37,030

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Hawaii / Kauai?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii / Kauai is $41.04, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $57.75 or more per hour.

    Is Hawaii / Kauai above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Hawaii / Kauai is 40% above the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Hawaii / Kauai?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $72,040 per year in Hawaii / Kauai. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $74,820.