Chef Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii
The median chef salary in Waipahu, HI is $91,562 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.
Chef Pay in Waipahu: What to Expect (2026)
Waipahu offers a median chef salary of $91,562, which is $4,522 below the Hawaii state average of $96,084. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Waipahu pays above average for this role.
However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,562 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for chefs in Waipahu spans from $53,784 at the 10th percentile to $158,436 at the 90th percentile — a $104,652 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,560. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Waipahu by Experience
In Waipahu, an entry-level chef earns around $56,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI
| Percentile | Waipahu |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $53,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,364 |
| Median (50th) | $91,562 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $158,436 |
Chef Salary in Other Hawaii Cities
How to Become a Chef in Waipahu
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Waipahu 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 Waipahu may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Waipahu
Browse open chef positions in Waipahu, HI: