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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Colorado

Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado command an impressive average annual salary of $67,380, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is often driven by the state's unique economic landscape and the demand for skilled culinary professionals in its vibrant hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $67,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,480.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,180 individuals in this profession, Colorado demonstrates a robust job market for Chefs and Head Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and potentially growing demand within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$67,380

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado earns+4.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.4

Weekly

$1,296

Monthly

$5,615

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Colorado

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$44,490$21.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$50,535$24.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$63,990$30.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$84,225$40.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$90,480$43.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$67,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,867

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $67,380 in Colorado is offset by a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, which is slightly above the national average. This means that while nominal earnings are higher, the purchasing power of that salary is marginally impacted by the increased cost of goods and services in the state.

Job Market Context

4,180

Total Jobs

1.447

Per 1K Jobs

1.22

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.22, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.22 signifies that Colorado has a notably higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where employers may actively seek out specialized talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Colorado Springs, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$63,750↓ 5%32 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$70,930↑ 5%54 mi
Pueblo, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$54,900↓ 19%66 mi
Boulder, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,780↓ 10%67 mi
Greeley, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,830↓ 14%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado is $67,380. This typically ranges from $44,490 for entry-level positions to $90,480 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 4.2% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, Colorado offers a lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $67,380 is higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient indicates a healthy demand for these culinary professionals within the state.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($63,750) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

How does Colorado's cost of living compare to the national average?

Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, indicating that it is 5.5% more expensive to live in Colorado than the national average.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado?

Colorado has a Location Quotient of 1.22 for Chefs and Head Cooks, meaning the profession is 22% more concentrated in Colorado than the national average.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in Colorado?

There are approximately 4,180 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within Colorado.

What is the average salary for a Chef or Head Cook in Colorado?

The average annual salary for a Chef or Head Cook in Colorado is $67,380.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,180 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 1.447 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado