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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Grand Junction, CO

Cooks in fast-food establishments in Grand Junction, Colorado, earn an average annual salary of $33,570. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized premium for this role. Factors such as the specific economic landscape and demand within the Grand Junction area likely contribute to this higher compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,410.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 450 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.55, Grand Junction exhibits a significant concentration of fast-food cooks relative to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these professionals within the local job market, indicating a healthy environment for employment in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,570

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Junction, CO earns+7.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.1

Weekly

$646

Monthly

$2,798

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Grand Junction, CO

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The variance in earnings across different percentiles signifies clear career progression pathways and opportunities for advancement within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,990$14.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,178$12.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,480$16.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,963$20.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,410$17

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,570

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,570 in Grand Junction aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by fast-food cooks in this city offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

450

Total Jobs

6.72

Per 1K Jobs

1.55

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Grand Junction, CO has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 1.55 signifies that Grand Junction has 55% more fast-food cooks per worker than the national average. This indicates a higher concentration and potentially greater competition for these roles, but also suggests a strong and established presence of the fast-food industry within the local economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Grand Junction, CO?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Junction, CO is $33,570. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $35,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Grand Junction, CO is 7.8% higher than the national median of $31,130.

Is Grand Junction, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

Yes, Grand Junction offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Fast Food compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,570 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good relative purchasing power.

Is Grand Junction, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Grand Junction fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks, Fast Food in Grand Junction earn an average of $33,570 annually, which is higher than the national average of $31,130.

What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Grand Junction?

Grand Junction has a higher concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 1.55, meaning there are 55% more such workers per capita than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Grand Junction affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Grand Junction's cost of living is exactly at the national average, making the $33,570 salary provide average purchasing power.

What does the job market look like for fast-food cooks in Grand Junction?

The market appears robust, with a significant concentration of cooks (LQ 1.55) and a total local workforce of 450, suggesting consistent demand for these positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Grand Junction, CO area with a job density of 6.72 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 Grand Junction, CO