Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Boulder, CO
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $45,870, significantly outperforming the national average of $38,130. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Boulder's unique economic landscape and potentially higher demand for skilled culinary staff within its institutional and cafeteria sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,960.
- Outlook: Boulder, CO, hosts a local workforce of 860 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, indicating a substantial presence in the area. With a Location Quotient of 1.52, the concentration of these roles in Boulder is 52% higher than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a potentially competitive job market for these culinary experts.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Boulder, CO earns+20.3%above the national average.
$22.1
$882
$3,823
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Boulder is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for food services in a growing city like Boulder likely contributes to upward pressure on wages for experienced cooks.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Boulder, CO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles and those with specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The observed gaps between salary percentiles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,970 | $17.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,403 | $16.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,150 | $20.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,338 | $27.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $64,960 | $31.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,870 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Boulder is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
4.411
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 1.5x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 1.52 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Boulder, CO, indicates a market that is 52% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the national proportion of workers in this field, implying a competitive environment where skilled individuals may find ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,220↓ 6% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,310↓ 14% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,870↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,930↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,600↓ 14% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Boulder, CO is $45,870. This typically ranges from $35,970 for entry-level positions to $64,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 20.3% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Boulder, CO offers a lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, making it financially advantageous.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($43,220) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Boulder salary compare to the national average?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Boulder earn an average of $45,870 annually, which is $7,740 more than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Boulder?
Boulder has a Location Quotient of 1.52 for this role, meaning the jobs are 52% more concentrated than the national average, indicating higher demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Boulder?
The cost of living in Boulder is at the national average (100), so the higher salary of $45,870 provides good purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What does the total local workforce number mean for job seekers?
With 860 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals locally, it suggests a stable job market with consistent opportunities, though the high LQ implies competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 4.411 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO