Restaurant Cook Salary in Hawaii
Based on 11K+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$45,420
$21.84/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
+20.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $65K
11K employed in Hawaii
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Hawaii is $45,420 per year, which translates to approximately $22 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Hawaii cooks earning 20.5% more. There are currently 11,090 employed cooks across the islands.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Hawaii, including experience level, specific culinary skills, and the type and size of the establishment. Location within Hawaii can also play a role, with higher demand or cost of living in certain areas potentially leading to higher wages. Negotiation skills and a strong culinary background can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,740 |
| 25th percentile | $37,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,420 |
| 75th percentile | $55,550 |
| 90th percentile | $65,320 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Hawaii tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,783 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,420 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,783 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $55,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $65,320 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Restaurant Cook ($45,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in HI | $62,390 | +37.4% | $30.00/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in HI | $35,250 | -22.4% | $16.95/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in HI | $45,350 | -0.2% | $21.80/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in HI | $45,650 | +0.5% | $21.95/hr |
| Dental Assistant in HI | $44,720 | -1.5% | $21.50/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in HI | $46,220 | +1.8% | $22.22/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in HI | $46,760 | +3.0% | $22.48/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in HI | $47,010 | +3.5% | $22.60/hr |
| Security Guard in HI | $42,820 | -5.7% | $20.59/hr |
| Medical Assistant in HI | $48,410 | +6.6% | $23.27/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in HI | $48,720 | +7.3% | $23.42/hr |
| Bookkeeper in HI | $48,730 | +7.3% | $23.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Hawaii?
- The median annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Hawaii is $45,420. This means half of cooks in Hawaii earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the Restaurant Cook salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cooks in Hawaii earn significantly more than the national average. Their median salary is 20.5% higher than what cooks earn across the rest of the United States.
What is the salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Hawaii?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Hawaii falls between $35,740 and $65,320 annually. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of this spectrum.
Is it possible for a Restaurant Cook in Hawaii to earn over $60,000 per year?
- Yes, it is possible for experienced Restaurant Cooks in Hawaii to earn above $60,000 annually. The upper end of the salary range reaches $65,320, indicating that highly skilled or specialized cooks can achieve higher compensation.