Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an average annual salary of $40,450. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local demand and potentially a higher cost of operations contribute to this elevated compensation. The specific economic landscape of Colorado Springs plays a crucial role in shaping these pay rates for institutional culinary roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs appears robust, with a local workforce of 1,130 individuals. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.22, signifies a greater presence of these roles in Colorado Springs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs, CO earns+6.1%above the national average.
$19.5
$778
$3,371
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 Springs have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory likely reflects increased demand for skilled culinary staff and adjustments to the cost of living within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,440 | $15.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,338 | $14.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,230 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,563 | $24.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,830 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $40,450 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs holds its purchasing power effectively. This means that the salary earned in Colorado Springs provides a comparable standard of living to the national average, making it a financially stable location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
3.548
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Colorado Springs, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.22 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs indicates a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand may slightly outpace supply, potentially leading to better negotiation power for skilled individuals and a more dynamic job environment for culinary professionals in institutional settings.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,930↑ 11% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,600↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,130↓ 6% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,910↓ 6% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,220↑ 7% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs, CO is $40,450. This typically ranges from $32,440 for entry-level positions to $46,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 6.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Colorado Springs offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $40,450 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power for these professionals.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($44,930) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs?
A local workforce of 1,130 suggests a substantial pool of existing talent, but the Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates that demand is also relatively high, implying consistent job opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.22 mean for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies that Colorado Springs has a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a stronger local industry presence and potentially more specialized roles.
How does the cost of living in Colorado Springs compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. This allows the higher average salary to translate directly into comparable purchasing power.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado Springs?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a key role. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while senior or specialized cooks can command higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression.
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 Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 3.548 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 Colorado Springs, CO