Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Boulder, CO
Fast Food Cooks in Boulder, CO, earn an average annual salary of $36,850, significantly exceeding the national average of $31,130. This higher compensation is likely influenced by Boulder's unique economic landscape and potentially higher operational costs for businesses in the area. The demand for quick-service food professionals remains a constant, but local factors can significantly impact earning potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,330.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 490 Cooks, Fast Food, and a Location Quotient of 0.58, the job market in Boulder, CO, indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a high-demand area in terms of relative concentration, the presence of a substantial workforce suggests consistent opportunities within the fast-food sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Boulder, CO earns+18.4%above the national average.
$17.7
$709
$3,071
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Boulder is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Inflationary pressures and increasing minimum wage legislation in many areas typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for service industry positions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Boulder, CO, typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory or specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,690 | $15.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,638 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,063 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,330 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,850 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard. Residents can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
2.525
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 0.58x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.58 suggests that Cooks, Fast Food are less concentrated in Boulder, CO, relative to the national average. This could imply a less saturated job market for these specific roles compared to other professions or regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for job seekers or indicating that the demand is met by the existing workforce without significant oversupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,690↑ 5% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,040↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,720↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,680↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,930↓ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Boulder, CO is $36,850. This typically ranges from $31,690 for entry-level positions to $43,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 18.4% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, moderately so.Cooks, Fast Food in Boulder, CO earn approximately $5,720 more annually than the national average. The local cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning this higher salary offers comparable purchasing power.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($38,690) and Greeley, CO.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Boulder, CO?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Fast Food in Boulder, CO is $36,850.
How does the Boulder, CO salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Boulder, CO ($36,850) is higher than the national average ($31,130) by approximately $5,720 annually.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO compared to the national average?
Boulder, CO has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Fast Food Cook jobs in Boulder, CO?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Fast Food in Boulder, CO is 0.58, indicating that these jobs are less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 2.525 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO