Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area can expect an average annual salary of $38,690. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a premium for this role in the local market. Factors such as the regional demand for quick-service dining and the overall economic landscape of Colorado likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,940.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area supports a substantial workforce of 4,110 Fast Food Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 2.538 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential service positions within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+24.3%above the national average.
$18.6
$744
$3,224
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Fast Food Cooks over the past four years, mirroring broader economic shifts and inflation. Increased operational costs for businesses and a growing demand for convenient food options likely contribute to a competitive wage environment that has seen steady growth.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory experience or specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential through dedication and acquired expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,870 | $15.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,018 | $14 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,140 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,363 | $23.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,940 | $28.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Denver-Aurora-Centennial, the average annual salary of $38,690 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Fast Food Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain of a high cost of living.
Job Market Context
4,110
Total Jobs
2.538
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.59x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.59 for Fast Food Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average. While this might indicate fewer specialized opportunities than in some other regions, it also points to a market where demand is steady and potentially less competitive for individual job seekers, offering a reasonable balance of employment availability.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,850↓ 5% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,040↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,680↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,930↓ 10% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,010↓ 12% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $38,690. This typically ranges from $32,870 for entry-level positions to $59,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 24.3% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation for Fast Food Cooks.The average annual salary of $38,690 is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the region financially attractive for these workers.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($36,850) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $38,690, which is substantially higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The Cost of Living Index for Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 4,110 Fast Food Cooks employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks saturated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the concentration of Fast Food Cooks is below the national average, suggesting the market is not overly saturated and offers stable demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,110 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 2.538 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO