How to Become A Culinary Professional in Hawaii
Hawaii employs approximately 11,090 culinary professionals according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $45,420 1. The state’s concentration of culinary professional jobs is 1.95x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, culinary professional employment is projected to grow 14.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 250,700 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a culinary professional in Hawaii, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Culinary Professional in Hawaii
How do I become a culinary professional in Hawaii? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for culinary professionals in Hawaii.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do culinary professionals earn in Hawaii? The median annual wage for culinary professionals in Hawaii is $45,420 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,740 and experienced professionals can earn $65,320 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Hawaii): $45,420 per year 1
Culinary Professional Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Chefs and Head Cooks Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), chefs and head cooks wages in Hawaii vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 8,790 | $45,721 | $47,649 | $32,086 | $66,681 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 2,210 | $53,350 | $58,461 | $40,162 | $80,321 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Culinary professionals in Hawaii
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest culinary professional employment within Hawaii according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 6,960 | $42,450 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 1,770 | $49,560 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for culinary professionals in Hawaii? Hawaii currently employs approximately 11,090 culinary professionals 1. Nationally, culinary professional employment is projected to grow 14.9% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Hawaii.
How much do culinary professionals earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for culinary professionals in Hawaii is $45,420, which is $8,590 above the national median of $36,830 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.