Chef Salary in Kailua, Hawaii
The median chef salary in Kailua, HI is $96,084 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.
Chef Pay in Kailua: What to Expect (2026)
Kailua offers a median chef salary of $96,084, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $96,084. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Kailua pays above average for this role.
However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,084 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for chefs in Kailua spans from $56,440 at the 10th percentile to $166,260 at the 90th percentile — a $109,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,500, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,600. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Kailua by Experience
In Kailua, an entry-level chef earns around $59,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI
| Percentile | Kailua |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,740 |
| Median (50th) | $96,084 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,260 |
Chef Salary in Other Hawaii Cities
How to Become a Chef in Kailua
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Kailua and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kailua may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Kailua
Browse open chef positions in Kailua, HI: