Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an average annual salary of $43,220. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that the specific economic conditions and demand within this metropolitan region contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,740.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 4,240 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a location quotient of 0.9, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable yet not overly saturated market. The presence of 2.62 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent demand for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+13.3%above the national average.
$20.8
$831
$3,602
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO have experienced a positive growth trajectory over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a potentially improving financial outlook for individuals in this profession within the area.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the substantial career growth and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,330 | $17.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,415 | $15.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $41,710 | $20.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,025 | $26 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,740 | $23.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,220 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, 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 this area is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary translate directly to the expected standard of living without significant gains or losses in real terms.
Job Market Context
4,240
Total Jobs
2.62
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.90x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.9, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the job market is not disproportionately saturated with these professionals compared to other occupations. This equilibrium can offer a balanced environment for job seekers, with opportunities available without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↑ 6% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,310↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,930↑ 4% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,600↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,130↓ 12% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $43,220. This typically ranges from $36,330 for entry-level positions to $49,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 13.3% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn $43,220 annually, exceeding the national average of $38,130. The cost of living is at the national average, meaning the higher salary provides better purchasing power.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($45,870) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $43,220, which is higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The location quotient for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 0.9, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO affect the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher salary of $43,220 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area?
There are approximately 4,240 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,240 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 2.62 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO