Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $65,140, slightly surpassing the national average of $64,680. This favorable compensation likely reflects the unique demands and specialized skill sets required to operate culinary establishments in a region with a distinct economic landscape and potentially higher operational costs for businesses.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,540.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Southwest Colorado, while modest in size with 230 professionals, shows a strong concentration of talent. The Location Quotient of 1.83 indicates a significantly higher presence of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand for these skilled professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+0.7%above the national average.
$31.3
$1,253
$5,428
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 Southwest Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing consumer demand for quality dining experiences and the ongoing need for experienced culinary leadership.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Colorado typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, manage teams, and refine their culinary vision, their earning potential can climb substantially, with senior roles commanding the highest salaries.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,890 | $17.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $48,855 | $23.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,190 | $29.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $81,425 | $39.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $101,540 | $48.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $65,140 in Southwest Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook for those considering a move.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.16
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.83, Southwest Colorado exhibits a notably higher concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where experienced culinary professionals are highly valued and sought after by local businesses.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,750↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $70,930↑ 9% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $54,900↓ 16% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,780↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,830↓ 11% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $65,140. This typically ranges from $35,890 for entry-level positions to $101,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 0.7% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $65,140 is above the national average, and the strong location quotient indicates high demand for these roles.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($63,750) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks compare nationally?
The job market in Southwest Colorado is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.83, indicating a higher density of these professionals.
What is the cost of living impact on salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average, meaning the $65,140 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in this area?
There are approximately 230 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.83 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.83 means that the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Colorado is 83% higher than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.16 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area