SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO

Cooks in the fast-food sector in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, are earning an average annual salary of $35,720, notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specific economic dynamics and demand within the local job market, influencing pay rates for essential service roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,610.
  • Outlook: The Fort Collins-Loveland area supports a robust local workforce of 1,130 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence of this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 1.48, the concentration of these jobs is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially competitive market for these roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,720

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO earns+14.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.2

Weekly

$687

Monthly

$2,977

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Fort Collins-Loveland 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 significantly higher salaries. The variance between the 25th and 75th percentiles often highlights this career growth potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,950$14.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,790$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,110$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,650$21.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,610$18.1

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,720

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $35,720 in Fort Collins-Loveland 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 area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal wage effectively offsets the cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,130

Total Jobs

6.426

Per 1K Jobs

1.48

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.48, Fort Collins-Loveland, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.48 signifies that Cooks, Fast Food are 48% more concentrated in the Fort Collins-Loveland area compared to the national average. This suggests a higher demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring practices.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Greeley, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$35,040↓ 2%18 mi
Boulder, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$36,850↑ 3%37 mi
Cheyenne, WY Cooks, Fast Food Salary$34,260↓ 4%43 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary$38,690↑ 8%55 mi

Comparing salaries near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $35,720. This typically ranges from $30,950 for entry-level positions to $37,610 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 14.7% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks, Fast Food in Fort Collins-Loveland earn approximately $4,590 more annually than the national average. This higher wage, combined with a cost of living that matches the national average, makes it a relatively lucrative location.

Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greeley, CO ($35,040) and Boulder, CO.

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?

The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $35,720.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Fort Collins-Loveland ($35,720) is higher than the national average ($31,130).

What does the Location Quotient of 1.48 mean?

A Location Quotient of 1.48 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland is 48% higher than the national average, suggesting greater local demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average, meaning the higher nominal salary in Fort Collins-Loveland provides average purchasing power.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area with a job density of 6.426 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO