SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Grand Junction, CO

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Junction, CO, earn an average annual salary of $38,850, slightly surpassing the national average of $38,130. This modest premium is often influenced by the specific demands and operational costs within the local institutional and cafeteria sectors, reflecting a localized adjustment to the cost of skilled culinary labor.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,130.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 280 individuals in this role, Grand Junction presents a stable, albeit not expansive, job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 42% higher than the national average, suggesting a notable demand relative to the general employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,850

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Junction, CO earns+1.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$747

Monthly

$3,238

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Grand Junction, CO

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Junction, CO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression opportunities available within this field, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,820$15.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,138$14
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,900$18.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,563$23.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,130$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,850

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $38,850 in Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the salary adequately covers the typical expenses associated with living in the area.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

4.141

Per 1K Jobs

1.42

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.42, Grand Junction, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.42 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Junction signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Grand Junction is relatively more robust and potentially more competitive for these roles, with a greater proportion of the local workforce engaged in this specific culinary field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Grand Junction, CO?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Grand Junction, CO is $38,850. This typically ranges from $31,820 for entry-level positions to $45,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Grand Junction, CO is 1.9% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is Grand Junction, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, Grand Junction offers a slightly above-average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.The average salary of $38,850 is higher than the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power is equivalent to the national average.

Is Grand Junction, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?

With 4.141 jobs per 1,000 workers, Grand Junction has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles than the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.42 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates that Grand Junction has a higher proportion of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, suggesting potentially more opportunities.

How does the cost of living in Grand Junction affect salary expectations?

The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $38,850 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria growing in Grand Junction?

While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size and above-average location quotient suggest a consistent demand for these roles in Grand Junction.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Grand Junction, CO area with a job density of 4.141 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.