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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Colorado

Cooks in Colorado's fast-food sector earn an average annual salary of $36,610, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated pay is influenced by a combination of factors specific to the Centennial State, including a robust economy and a higher cost of living that necessitates greater compensation for service industry roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,200.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,560 individuals in this role, Colorado demonstrates a significant presence of fast-food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of jobs indicates a stable and consistent demand within the state's food service industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,610

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado earns+17.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.6

Weekly

$704

Monthly

$3,051

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Colorado

Salary progression for fast-food cooks in Colorado typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the career advancement opportunities available within the sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,690$14.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,458$13.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,140$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,763$22
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,200$20.8

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,701

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $36,610 in Colorado for fast-food cooks needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. This index, slightly above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power may be closer to the national average when accounting for the increased cost of goods and services in Colorado.

Job Market Context

9,560

Total Jobs

3.307

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

Colorado has 0.76x 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 0.76 indicates that fast-food cooks are slightly less concentrated in Colorado compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial, it may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$34,550↓ 6%32 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$38,690↑ 6%54 mi
Pueblo, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$33,930↓ 7%66 mi
Boulder, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$36,850↑ 1%67 mi
Greeley, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,040↓ 4%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado is $36,610. This typically ranges from $30,690 for entry-level positions to $43,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 17.6% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, with caveats.Colorado offers a higher average salary for fast-food cooks than the national average, but this is tempered by a slightly higher cost of living.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($34,550) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

How does Colorado's average salary for fast-food cooks compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Colorado is $36,610, which is approximately $5,480 higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the total number of fast-food cooks employed in Colorado?

There are approximately 9,560 individuals employed as fast-food cooks within the state of Colorado.

How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary of a fast-food cook?

With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, Colorado is slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the higher nominal salary of $36,610 may have a purchasing power closer to the national average.

Is the job market for fast-food cooks concentrated in Colorado?

The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that fast-food cooks are slightly less concentrated in Colorado compared to the national average, indicating a moderate presence in the job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,560 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 3.307 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado