Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs, CO, can expect an average annual salary of $63,750. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $64,680, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. Factors such as the local demand for culinary professionals and the cost of doing business in the region likely contribute to this parity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,170.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 440 Chefs and Head Cooks, Colorado Springs demonstrates a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with or slightly exceeds the typical distribution of culinary talent.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs, CO earns-1.4%below the national average.
$30.7
$1,226
$5,313
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Colorado Springs is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks have experienced a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for establishments, and a persistent demand for skilled culinary leadership.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs, as elsewhere, is marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn substantially more, often reaching into the higher salary percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $45,310 | $21.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $47,813 | $23 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $60,080 | $28.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $79,688 | $38.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $88,170 | $42.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,750 in Colorado Springs aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
1.381
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Colorado Springs, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.17 signifies that Colorado Springs has a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where demand for these culinary professionals is robust, potentially offering more opportunities and a dynamic environment for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,990↑ 10% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,140↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,050↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $54,900↓ 14% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $70,930↑ 11% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs, CO is $63,750. This typically ranges from $45,310 for entry-level positions to $88,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 1.4% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs earn an average of $63,750, which is very close to the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes it a financially stable location for culinary professionals.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($69,990) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs is $63,750, which is just slightly below the national average of $64,680, indicating very comparable earning potential.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has a Location Quotient of 1.17 for Chefs and Head Cooks, meaning the profession is slightly more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Colorado Springs is at the national average. This means the $63,750 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado Springs?
There are approximately 440 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Colorado Springs, representing a significant portion of the local culinary workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 1.381 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO