Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area are earning an impressive average annual salary of $69,990, significantly surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the region's unique economic landscape and potentially a higher demand for skilled culinary professionals in areas with fewer metropolitan amenities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,610.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Northwest Colorado for Chefs and Head Cooks appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 590 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 3.77 strongly indicates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting a consistent and perhaps growing demand for experienced culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+8.2%above the national average.
$33.7
$1,346
$5,833
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 Northwest Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized culinary experiences, and the need to attract and retain skilled professionals likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Northwest Colorado is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior roles and Head Cook positions, requiring extensive experience, leadership, and menu development skills, will occupy the higher salary percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the region.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $47,110 | $22.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $52,493 | $25.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $64,990 | $31.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $87,488 | $42.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $91,610 | $44 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
Relocating to Northwest Colorado as a Chef or Head Cook presents a financially attractive proposition. With an average annual salary of $69,990 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, your earnings will maintain their purchasing power, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
4.462
Per 1K Jobs
3.77
Location Quotient
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 3.8x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.77 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Northwest Colorado is exceptionally high, signaling a market where these professionals are in significantly greater demand relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better negotiation power for skilled individuals and a more abundant job market for those entering the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,750↓ 9% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $70,930↑ 1% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $54,900↓ 22% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,780↓ 13% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,830↓ 17% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $69,990. This typically ranges from $47,110 for entry-level positions to $91,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 8.2% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $69,990 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($63,750) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Northwest Colorado earn an average of $69,990 annually, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.77, meaning there are nearly four times as many Chefs and Head Cooks relative to the national average.
Is the cost of living high in Northwest Colorado?
No, the cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that your salary will have standard purchasing power.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in this region?
There are approximately 590 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.462 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 Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area