Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado area can expect an average annual salary of $63,940. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $64,680, indicating a stable and competitive compensation landscape. The specific economic conditions and demand within this Colorado region play a significant role in aligning local pay rates with broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,530.
- Outlook: The Fort Collins-Loveland culinary job market demonstrates a healthy level of demand, with a total local workforce of 220 Chefs and Head Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests that this profession is slightly more concentrated in this area than the national average, implying a robust and potentially growing job market for skilled culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO earns-1.1%below the national average.
$30.7
$1,230
$5,328
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining experiences, and the need to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland is clearly reflected in salary potential. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while experienced Head Cooks and Executive Chefs command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies substantial earning potential as one gains experience, skills, and leadership responsibilities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $44,450 | $21.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $47,955 | $23.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $60,100 | $28.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $79,925 | $38.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $86,530 | $41.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Fort Collins-Loveland, the average annual salary of $63,940 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a chef's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.264
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Fort Collins-Loveland, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the Fort Collins-Loveland area shows a slightly higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, job market. While demand is present and slightly above average, professionals may find a competitive environment where experience and specialized skills are key differentiators.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,830↓ 10% | 18 mi |
| Boulder, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,780↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Cheyenne, WY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,050↓ 1% | 43 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $70,930↑ 11% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $63,940. This typically ranges from $44,450 for entry-level positions to $86,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 1.1% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it is a competitive place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary is nearly on par with the national average, and the slightly higher concentration of roles (LQ of 1.07) suggests consistent demand within the region.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greeley, CO ($57,830) and Boulder, CO.
How does the Fort Collins-Loveland salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland is $63,940, which is very close to the national average of $64,680.
What is the Cost of Living in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Chefs and Head Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland?
The Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in Fort Collins-Loveland?
There are approximately 220 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Fort Collins-Loveland area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area with a job density of 1.264 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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO