Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Colorado
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $42,080, surpassing the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation in Colorado can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a robust job market and a slightly elevated cost of living that necessitates competitive wages to attract and retain talent in the food service sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,630.
- Outlook: Colorado's market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 9,520 individuals. The location quotient of 1.13 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles in Colorado compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand that supports the existing workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado earns+10.4%above the national average.
$20.2
$809
$3,507
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion and inflation typically drive up wages in most sectors, including institutional food services, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic landscape.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Colorado
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills in institutional settings can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify clear career progression pathways from junior to lead roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,750 | $16.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,560 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $40,890 | $19.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,600 | $25.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,630 | $23.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,886
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $42,080 in Colorado presents a moderate financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While this index is only slightly above the national average, it indicates that everyday expenses are marginally higher, meaning the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is close to, but slightly less than, what the same salary would provide in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
9,520
Total Jobs
3.291
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.13, Colorado demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Colorado is somewhat more favorable or specialized for these roles compared to other states, indicating a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,450↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,220↑ 3% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,910↓ 10% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↑ 9% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,310↓ 7% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado is $42,080. This typically ranges from $34,750 for entry-level positions to $49,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 10.4% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Colorado offers an average salary of $42,080, which is higher than the national average, and a slightly higher job concentration. However, the cost of living is also marginally above average, balancing some of the increased earning potential.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,450) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado is $42,080, which is approximately $3,950 higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job concentration for this role in Colorado?
Colorado has a Location Quotient of 1.13 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, indicating that the presence of these jobs is 13% higher than the national average concentration.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary?
Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, meaning it is 5.5% more expensive to live there than the national average. This slightly higher cost of living is somewhat offset by the higher average salary.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Colorado?
There are approximately 9,520 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado, reflecting a significant presence in the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,520 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 3.291 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Colorado
- All Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Management Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Browse All Jobs in Colorado →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado