Cooks in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $38,130. This figure precisely matches the national average, indicating that regional economic factors and demand in this specific sector are in equilibrium with broader U.S. trends. The pay reflects a balance between the cost of living and the availability of institutional and cafeteria roles within this geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,420.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 540 individuals in this role, the market for Cooks in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan areas demonstrates a stable presence. The robust Location Quotient of 2.63 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand and a well-established sector within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns-0.0%below the national average.
$18.3
$733
$3,178
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings across nonmetropolitan areas like Eastern and Southern Colorado have seen gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is generally driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a steady demand for food services, leading to incremental salary adjustments to retain qualified staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range for this profession suggests that experienced cooks can command higher compensation, reflecting their enhanced skills, efficiency, and potential supervisory responsibilities within an establishment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,860 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,598 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,980 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,663 | $22.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,420 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,130 in Eastern and Southern Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. standard.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
7.651
Per 1K Jobs
2.63
Location Quotient
Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.63 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, while also offering more opportunities for individuals seeking employment in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,450↑ 6% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,220↑ 13% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,910↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↑ 20% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,310↑ 3% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $38,130. This typically ranges from $30,860 for entry-level positions to $45,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 0.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $38,130 matches the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average. While the job concentration is high, this does not translate to higher pay compared to the rest of the country.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,450) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the job concentration compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 2.63 means there are over 2.5 times more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per worker in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area than the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 540 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the salary?
In this case, the salary perfectly matches the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for this role.
Are there many job opportunities for cooks in this region?
Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong presence and demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria within this nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.651 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 Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area