Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,930, which is notably higher than the national average of $31,130. This premium in compensation can be attributed to the specific labor market dynamics and potentially higher demand relative to the available workforce in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,290.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role, the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area presents a moderately sized job market for fast food cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+12.2%above the national average.
$16.8
$672
$2,911
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for fast food cooks in Southwest Colorado have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation within this sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for fast food cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift leader or assistant manager. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise and a proven track record in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,198 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,760 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,663 | $21 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,290 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,930 in Southwest Colorado 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 region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
3.401
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 0.78x 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 0.78 indicates that fast food cooks are slightly less concentrated in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it may not be as dominant a feature of the local economy, potentially leading to a more balanced employer-employee market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $34,550↓ 1% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $38,690↑ 11% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $33,930↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,850↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $35,040↑ 0% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $34,930. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $37,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 12.2% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
Yes, with a salary above the national average.Cooks in this region earn approximately $3,800 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially competitive for the role.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($34,550) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability for fast food cooks?
A workforce of 370 individuals suggests a moderate number of opportunities. While not a massive market, it indicates a consistent need for fast food cooks within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.78 mean for fast food cooks?
It signifies that fast food cooks are employed at a rate slightly below the national average per capita. This could imply less intense competition for jobs compared to highly concentrated areas.
How does the cost of living impact the $34,930 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $34,930 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary of $31,130 would have nationally. This indicates a fair economic balance for residents.
Are there many fast food jobs in Southwest Colorado?
With 3.401 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of fast food cooks is consistent with national employment patterns, suggesting a steady demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.401 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area