Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an average annual salary of $34,550. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a favorable compensation landscape in the region. The local economic conditions and demand for these services likely contribute to this higher pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,540 Cooks, Fast Food, Colorado Springs demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.12 suggests that this occupation is more concentrated in Colorado Springs than the national average, implying a robust and potentially growing demand for these roles within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado Springs, CO earns+11.0%above the national average.
$16.6
$664
$2,879
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado Springs has experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or demand for service industry workers.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado Springs typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,350 | $14.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,913 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,920 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,188 | $20.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,900 | $18.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,550 in Colorado Springs aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this city is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to general living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,540
Total Jobs
4.839
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Colorado Springs, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 indicates that Cooks, Fast Food are 12% more concentrated in Colorado Springs than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals and a slightly more competitive market for employers seeking to fill these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,680↑ 3% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,930↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,010↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,930↓ 2% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,690↑ 12% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado Springs, CO is $34,550. This typically ranges from $30,350 for entry-level positions to $37,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 11.0% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado Springs earn approximately $3,320 more annually than the national average. This is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, providing good relative value for earnings.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($35,680) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Colorado Springs salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Fast Food?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado Springs is $34,550, which is $3,320 higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Colorado Springs for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.12 means that Cooks, Fast Food are 12% more prevalent in Colorado Springs compared to the national average, suggesting a stronger local industry presence and demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs affect the salary for Cooks, Fast Food?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Colorado Springs is at the national average. This means the $34,550 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary for this role.
What is the total number of Cooks, Fast Food employed in Colorado Springs?
There are approximately 1,540 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Colorado Springs area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 4.839 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 Colorado Springs, CO