Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area command an average annual salary of $70,930, notably exceeding the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is often driven by the region's dynamic culinary scene and the specific demands of its hospitality industry, reflecting a strong local market for skilled culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,900.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area supports a robust local workforce of 1,980 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy and stable demand for culinary talent within the region. This suggests a promising job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+9.7%above the national average.
$34.1
$1,364
$5,911
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in skilled professions. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining experiences, and evolving culinary trends likely contribute to this positive trajectory.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and leadership skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $50,020 | $24 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $53,198 | $25.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $70,090 | $33.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $88,663 | $42.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $94,900 | $45.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $70,930 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Chefs and Head Cooks in this area offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that their earnings effectively cover typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
1,980
Total Jobs
1.226
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO market shows a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet accessible job market, where demand is robust enough to support a slightly larger workforce than typically found nationwide. Professionals entering this market can expect opportunities, but should be prepared for a moderately competitive landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,780↓ 14% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,830↓ 18% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,990↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,140↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,050↓ 14% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $70,930. This typically ranges from $50,020 for entry-level positions to $94,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 9.7% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $70,930 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($60,780) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO salary compare to the national average?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earn an average of $70,930 annually, which is $6,250 more than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 1.04, meaning the area has a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100, which is the national average. This means the $70,930 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area?
There are approximately 1,980 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,980 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 1.226 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO